A Newark firefighter was seriously injured battling a fire in a tire shop Saturday night.
Firefighters were called to the two-alarm fire on Park Avenue around 9 p.m. and found heavy fire conditions in the large structure.
According to NJ.com, firefighter Paul Leber was working with a probationary firefighter when crews were ordered to evacuate the building as conditions deteriorated.
Leber, 38, became disoriented and a mayday was called. The probationary firefighter was able to exit the structure.
Firefighters from Engine 7 and Rescue 1 entered the structure and found Leber.
He was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Jacobi Medical Center in New York City where officials say he's listed in critical condition.
Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose and Mayor Ras Baraka praised the efforts of the firefighters who rescued Leber.
Leber, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the department 10 years ago.
"They should be commended on the job they do every day," Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose told the newspaper. "They are willing to risk their lives by entering burning buildings to ensure that others survive."
