Trenton Community Rallies After Deadly Rowhouse Blaze, Mourning a Teen and Praising Quick Rescue Efforts

A late-night Trenton row house fire spread on Friday, September 19, 2025. It killed an 18-year-old high school student and drove neighbors away.

Dead: Trenton Central High School JROTC member Joe Kokulo. Family and school officials said Kokulo was preparing for the homecoming parade the next day. He dressed for the event, making the sudden change from plans to sorrow sadder.

Police reported a three-alarm fire that quickly spread through a row of houses on North Olden Avenue in the 1200 block. Firefighters and other rescue responders fought fires on roofs and porches in films. Seven damaged or demolished row dwellings displaced twenty people. The city and a nonprofit helped these families find temporary housing and needs.

First responders and friends rescued victims quickly that night. Two nearby Ewing Township police officers saved victims before firefighters arrived. Nearby residents rescued others. Good individuals reportedly rushed into a blazing house to save an elderly granny. He later confessed he hurt himself to avoid seeing the house burn. City leaders and eyewitnesses expressed passionate and regretful responses.

An injured rescue worker and a burned woman needed medical attention. Many suffered. The city and American Red Cross offered emergency housing, clothes, and food. But the administration started assessing the damage and planning long-term rehabilitation. Because some of the damaged row houses may be razed, the fire-displaced family may find it harder.

Provide fire footage and information to investigators. The fire’s cause is also being investigated. Friends and neighbors of Kokulo joined to honor him and help those who lost their houses and valuables. Local officials have asked aid for victims and greater safety in row house communities after a young person died and several families were relocated. To support victims and prevent similar disasters, city residents and victims’ relatives are preparing public vigils and fundraisers.

The narrative shows how quickly flames may spread in linked properties and how neighbors, first responders, and common people can aid from rescue to recovery. Now, the top objectives are helping people who have had to move, helping the family of the dead child with funeral and other expenses, and finishing an in-depth analysis so Trenton and other communities may learn from it.

Sources
CBS News
NBC10 Philadelphia
FOX 29 Philadelphia
Patch