RAHWAY, N.J. — A fast-moving three-alarm fire tore through a two-story home in Rahway on Monday morning, claiming the life of 57-year-old Tracey Buchanan despite a massive, multi-department response from firefighters.
The blaze erupted at the home on the 1500 block of High Street just after 10:20 a.m. on January 20, 2026. First-arriving Rahway firefighters found flames already consuming the first and second floors and spreading into the attic, officials said.
The intensity of the fire prompted an immediate call for mutual aid. Firefighters from Linden, Roselle, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Scotch Plains, and Union rushed to assist, forming a defensive perimeter around the home. The flames were so intense that conditions briefly deteriorated, forcing crews to evacuate the structure temporarily to prevent injury.
During the frantic response, police on scene had to physically restrain another resident of the home from attempting to re-enter the burning building, an act that likely prevented a second tragedy.
Despite the heroic efforts, firefighters later discovered Tracey Buchanan deceased inside the home.
“The courage and dedication demonstrated by our first responders and mutual aid partners during this heartbreaking incident was nothing short of heroic,” Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe said in a statement. “They worked under extremely dangerous conditions, and we are deeply grateful for their service. Our hearts are with the family and friends of the victim during this unimaginably difficult time.”
The cause of the devastating fire remains under active investigation by the Rahway Police Department and fire officials.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied around Buchanan’s family. A GoFundMe campaign created to support them with funeral expenses and the loss of their home had raised over $33,000 by Friday, nearing its $55,000 goal.