Early-Morning Fire Races Through West New York Home

Photo by RON JEFFERSFlames rapidly extended to upper floors of a 58th Street home in West New York on the morning of March 27th.

Photo by RON JEFFERS

Photo by RON JEFFERS

Photo by RON JEFFERS

Photo by RON JEFFERS

Photo by RON JEFFERS

Photo by RON JEFFERS
WEST NEW YORK, NJ - An early-morning fire displaced approximately a dozen people and consumed the lower floors of a home, on March 27th. Two firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Shortly before 4:00 A.M., North Hudson Fire Control dispatched a full assignment to the 100 block of 58th Street for a reported garage fire. This was followed by radio reports that Fire Control was receiving numerous phone calls and reports of people trapped. Responding units observed heavy smoke in the area. Upon arrival, firefighters found a three-story dwelling with heavy fire venting out the front garage area and rear of the lower floor area. In addition, there were vehicles on fire at the ground floor garage level. Upon arrival, live power lines fell onto the street.
All occupants had escaped the flames. There was also believed to be a compromised gas line in the rear of the structure. Flames rapidly extended to the upper floors. In all, four alarms were struck, as firefighters kept the fire to one building. The exposure homes were separated by small alleys. Jersey City fire companies responded on the 4th alarm assignment.
The American Red Cross was on the scene to assist the displaced residents, and the Gong Club canteen provided rehab assistance.
The multiple-alarm fire was declared under control around 6:30 A.M.