A week after the arctic blast that covered the northeast caused major issues for the Paterson Fire Department, the PFD faced another multiple alarm that the single digit temperatures made firefighting difficult.

On February 7^th at approximately 2:00 PM, fire units were dispatched to 272 Union Avenue. Heavy fire was showing from the rear of a 2 ½ story frame dwelling with a large 2 ½ story former tavern undergoing renovations on the “B” side and a 2 story frame on the “D” side, all separated by narrow alleyways. 

A second alarm was transmitted as a 2 ½” line was stretched. Two frozen hydrants were attempted with one completely snapped. A third alarm was sounded as companies worked off tank water as further away hydrants were accessed. Flames were impinging on both exposures as well as exposure “C1” on Preakness Ave. behind the tavern. By about 2:15 two continuous water sources were established.  Fire in the exposures were knocked down before 2:50. The main fire building continued to vent smoke as Ladder 1 opened the roof. 

The fire was placed PWH at 3:15 and companies began to pick up. Fifteen residents from six families were displaced, but no serious injuries were reported. Passaic and Clifton provided mutual aid at the scene, while others covered firehouses. The North Jersey Fire Canteen once again provided assistance in warming up.