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Garfield Landmark Bar Destroyed in Overnight Blaze
April 12, 2024 | NEW JERSEY
DAMIEN DANIS, Senior Correspondent
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
Photo by Damien Danis
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.
GARFIELD, NJ - A Garfield restaurant was severely damaged in an overnight fire during the early morning hours of April 12th. At 2:39 A.M., the Garfield Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 732 River Dr. A passerby alerted authorities to the fire that broke on the first-floor of DP's Pub and Seafood Grill. First arriving police officers confirmed a working fire with heavy fire showing from the ground floor bar.
Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Mike Colon confirmed a working fire and a second-alarm was quickly transmitted, bringing mutual aid companies to the scene. Heavy fire was engulfing the bar and spreading quickly through the upper floors as handlines went into operation. Live power lines serviced to the building began to arch. PSEG was requested to cut the power so companies could operate handlines safely. As fire extended to the second-floor, traveling through walls, it was a labor-intensive operation with opening up all spaces to check for fire extension.
One firefighter was taken to a local hospital and two second-floor tenants were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene after responding Garfield police officers got them out. The firefighter was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in a little over one hour. It was declared under control shortly before 5:30 A.M. by Chief of Dept., Alan Tani.
Mutual aid at the scene were companies from Saddle Brook, Wallington, Rochelle Park, Paramus, Elmwood Park and Hackensack. Cover companies included Lodi, Maywood, Passaic, Clifton and East Rutherford. The County Wide Emergency Response Team provided rehab. The cause remains under investigation.
Garfield Mayor Richard Rigoglioso says the city didn't just lose a business in the fire, but a landmark for many in the community.
"It's been around since the 1900's as a pub. DP since 1970. They're known for their seafood and their garlic fries. People from all over Bergen County come here. They are ranked a few years in a row. It was one of the top 10 dive bars that you could find where you get great food and great hospitality," said Rigoglioso.
DAMIEN DANISSenior Correspondent
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