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Garfield Second-Alarm Destroys Apartments and Firematic Building

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

GARFIELD, NJ - At 4:40 A.M. on the morning of January 24th, the Garfield Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm activation at 450 River Dr.

Police units arrived and reported smoke and fire showing from the second-floor apartments, above Firematic Safety Equipment. Police officers located three residents who were evacuated to safety from the building.

Chief of Dept. EJ Morano arrived and confirmed a working fire. First due companies made an interior attack to knock down the heavy fire, but rapidly deteriorating conditions caused firefighters to evacuate the fire building. Heavy fire blew through the roof and out of several windows. Part of a roof and stairwell collapsed during the operations. Several outside hand lines and Truck 4's ladder pipe went into operation to knock down the fire.

No serious injuries were reported, but a police officer required medical attention for a slip and fall. The fire was declared under control just after 7:00 A.M. Mutual aid from Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park and Wallington assisted on scene, along with Hackensack FD's air unit. The Moonachie Rescue Squad fire rehab unit provided shelter and coffee along with Box-54. Companies covering empty firehouses included Wallington, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Lodi and Clifton.

Fire Officials along with the Bergen County Arson Squad are conducting the cause and origin investigation, which is ongoing. Firematic has been a staple in the City of Garfield, providing fire extinguisher service, sprinkler work and fire safety consulting since 1949.

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DAMIEN DANISSenior Correspondent

No information from the author.