A fire on Ridge Street in the North Ward first reported shortly before 10 p.m. Friday evening has destroyed three homes and displaced at least 18 people and injured three firefighters.

The fire started at 286 Ridge Street and spread to the homes on either side.

A fire at 286 Ridge Street in the North Ward of Newark.

NJ.com reported on a resolution sponsored by North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. opposing legislation that would limit charter school growth in New Jersey. Read the story as it originally appeared on nj.com.

A proposed bill that would temporarily limit the growth of charter schools in New Jersey would hurt urban youth in the state, according to a new resolution passed by the Newark city council this week.

"This would directly impact Newark families," said city Councilman Anibal Ramos, who sponsored the resolution denouncing the proposal.

The Newark City Council today passed a resolution sponsored by Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. opposing a bill under consideration in the state Assembly that would restrict the growth of charter schools in the state.

The council passed the resolution opposing Assembly bill 4351 by a vote of 7-2 with Council President Mildred Crump and South Ward Councilman John James voting no.

Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. speaks at a groundbreaking in April for a new athletic field at KIPP New Jersey's Rise Academy Middle School on Ashland Street.