Paterson Commercial 3-Alarm

At around 0600 on March 25, 2023, Paterson Fire Dispatch transmitted a box forreports of a building fire in the area of Straight Streeet and Ellison Avenue. On arrival, Battalion Chief Hall reported heavy fire in a large single-story commercial building and advised companies of a possible backdraft condition. Asecond alarm was transmitted and companies were withdrawn from the building due to the heavy fire conditions already through the roof. Deputy Chief Ricciardi arrived and took command. With several interiorcollapses and exposure problems, and with heavy fire venting from the roof in the rear, a third alarm was transmitted. Alarge column of smoke was visible formiles as companies placed three aerial streams, one deck gun and numerous large caliberhandlines into operation. The building, which housed the Pickle King Compoany, was adjacent to NJ Transit railroad tracks on the Bravo side which restricted access and also made it necessary to shut down the line. No injuries were reported, the fire took several hours to be placed undercontrol and the origin is underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo