The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is investigating a tragic fire that occurred in North Bergen early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the displacement of 27 residents.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on April 3, 2025, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue received a call reporting a fire at the Cullum Apartments, a multi-story senior housing complex located at 6299 Grand Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from a tenth-floor unit.
During their efforts to suppress the fire, first responders discovered two individuals suffering from severe injuries. Reynaldo Tatis, 88, and his wife, Miryam Tatis, 72, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The cause and manner of their deaths are currently under investigation by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
In addition to the fatalities, two North Bergen police officers sustained minor injuries while responding to the incident and were treated at Hackensack Medical Center. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening.
As a result of the fire, 27 residents were displaced from their homes. Mayor Nick Sacco addressed the situation on social media, stating, "The North Bergen Housing Authority is working closely with the Police Department, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the Red Cross, NB C.A.R.E.S, and other public agencies to respond to a serious fire that occurred overnight at the Cullum Towers senior housing complex." He continued, "Affected residents are being moved into temporary shelter at a nearby hotel until it is safe to return to the building."
Authorities have confirmed that foul play is not suspected at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the fire is encouraged to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office at 201-915-1345 or submit a tip online, with all information kept confidential.
This incident has raised concerns about fire safety in high-rise residential buildings, especially those housing vulnerable populations such as seniors. Local officials are expected to review safety protocols and emergency response procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the community grapples with this loss, support services are being mobilized to assist the displaced residents. The Red Cross and local organizations are providing immediate assistance, including temporary housing and basic necessities.
In a statement, the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness in residential buildings, particularly for seniors who may have mobility issues or other challenges in emergency situations. They encourage residents to familiarize themselves with fire escape routes and to have a plan in place for emergencies.
The Cullum Apartments, a 17-story building, has been a home for many seniors in the North Bergen area. The loss of the Tatis couple, who were well-known in the community, has left friends, family, and neighbors in mourning. Local residents have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the couple, highlighting their contributions to the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on supporting the affected residents and ensuring that safety measures are strengthened in the future. Community leaders are calling for a meeting to discuss fire safety protocols and to ensure that all residents are informed about the resources available to them.
The tragic events of the early morning fire serve as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness, especially in multi-story residential buildings. As the community comes together to support those affected, the hope is that changes can be made to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the aftermath of this devastating fire, the resilience of the North Bergen community is shining through as neighbors rally to support one another during this difficult time. With ongoing investigations and community support efforts, there is a collective commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.
