Paterson, NJ - A quick and aggressive attack by first-alarm firefighters kept flames contained to the area of origin and protected exposure buildings on March 14th.

Paterson units arrived at 177 Pearl Street at about 5:00 A.M. to find heavy fire venting out of the roof of a vacant two-and-a-half story vacant frame duplex. Flames were consuming the roof on the 'D' side of the duplex. The 'D' exposure building, a three-and-a-half story occupied frame, was separated by approximately 8-feet. An exposure line was put into operation as members worked to open up the sealed up structure to advance lines inside the 'B' exposure, a larger two-and-a-half story frame OMD that was attached and a very serious exposure problem.

Once members gained access, lines were stretched to the attic area. The visible flames were knocked down before they spread to the 'B' side of the attic. Ladder 1’s aerial was put up, but its master stream was not needed. Companies opened up on the second floor to check for any pockets of fire. The fire was placed under control in about one hour. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.