NEWARK, NJ - By the time companies arrived at 303 So. 18th St. at about 1:45 A.M. on April 17th, heavy fire had possession of the rear of (two) two-story abandoned frame structures and was through the roof.

A similar occupied building on the 'B' side was severely threatened. A second-alarm was immediately transmitted as companies made a push inside, but conditions worsened rapidly and all members were withdrawn within minutes and a third-alarm was sounded.

A ladder pipe, two deck guns and multiple handlines operated to knock down the heavy fire as much of the rear and the roofs of the fire buildings collapsed. Members worked inside the 'B' exposure and were able to limit the damage.

All heavy fire was extinguished within a half hour, but overhaul had to be done from the exterior due to the instability of the buildings. A fire watch remained on the scene well into the morning. No serious injuries were reported.