PATERSON, NJ - Heavy smoke and fire could be seen from a distance in Paterson's north ward late Saturday night, February 11th, as fire consumed a large commercial building. Firefighters were called to the area of Jefferson and Garfield Ave. around 10:30 P.M. for a reported garage fire.

While en route, dispatch updated units that they were responding to a fully involved commercial building. Command arrived on scene to find a one-story commercial building fully involved and through the roof with explosions. A second alarm was transmitted as companies prepared for defensive attack from Garfield Ave. and N. 2nd St. 

Multiple roll-up doors had to be forced open to access the fire. The building, reported to be filled with automobiles, also threatened a house of worship on the 'Delta' side. The first handlines were put into place to protect the exposure as aerial devices set up for master streams. A third alarm was transmitted within 15 minutes and a fourth alarm mintutes after.

Mutual aid were requested to bring in extra water supplies and feed the five aerials that were in operation. It took firefighters two hours to knock down the heavy fire load, but would take several more hours to place the fire under control. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid from Haledon, Hawthorne, Passaic, Elmwood Park, Clifton and several others assisted on scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.