Paterson Warehouse Blaze

At around 2230 on February 11, 2023, companies in Paterson’s 3rd Battalion were dispatched to Jefferson Street fora building fire. On arrival, the correct address was on Garfield Street, in a large single-story warehouse with a bow string truss roof. Companies reported the building was well involved with fire through the roof and exposure problems. Asecond alarm was quickly requested as companies went into defensive operations to protect the exposures which included a 2-1/2 story frame church. As portions of the roof collapsed and a third alarm was requested. While those companies were responding, command reported heavy fire and explosions occurring within the building and transmitted a fourth alarm which brought mutual aid companies to the scene. Six aerial streams, several deck guns, ground monitors and handlines were put into operations, successfully protecting the exposures. The fire took several hours to be placed undercontrol and companies maintained a fire watch throughout the night and following day.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo