Union City, NJ. - A fast-moving fire tore through several structures and took the life of a 74-year-old handicap woman on the afternoon of April 18^th .  

There was a faint odor of smoke along the 600-block of 39^th Street, and at 3:47 p.m. the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue communications (Fire Control) dispatched a full assignment to the area of 39^th St. & Kennedy Blvd. for a report of a fire.  Fire Control then informed responding units to proceed down the 39^th St. hill to Bergen Turnpike for a reported garage fire impinging on a building.  An arriving unit then radioed in that there was a working fire in a garage, extending to a building.  By now, there was a huge column of black smoke rising into the sky, visible for miles. 

The garage fire had extended into an unoccupied two-story wood-frame structure that was being renovated. In a matter of minutes this building was fully involved.  A second alarm was transmitted at 3:48 pm.  

Heavy fire had now extended into Exposure Bravo, a one-story business.  Flames completely consumed the two structures making it difficult to even see the actual buildings. A third-alarm was sounded by Deputy Chief  Dan Fresse at 3:52 p.m  Fire had now extended to Exposure Delta, a two-story wood frame dwelling.

Heavy fire consumed the front and back of the involved structures creating a radiant heat condition. The blacktop along Bergen Turnpike was steaming. A transformer exploded and high tension lines began to fall to the ground.  In addition, a heavy ember condition was raining down on the area. Trees caught fire in a cemetery across the street and tree branches began to fall.

Firefighters began a primary search of Exposure Delta, as other members set up hand-lines, three deck guns and a ladder pipe.  As conditions worsened, all members were ordered out of the building. Within about 20 minutes of the initial alarm, there was a collapse of the vacant structure.

Chief of Department Donald Donnarumma arrived and assumed command.

Numerous hand lines were set up in the front and rear of the burning structures, which also included several parked cars in a driveway. Fire had extended to Exposure Delta-1, which was separated by a narrow driveway.  Gasoline began to leak from a parked auto in the driveway and flow toward the street and firefighters.  The gasoline then ignited and was extinguished by a hand-line.

The siding was melted on Delta-1 and smoke was showing from the upper floor and attic area.  Members entered that dwelling to open up walls and ceilings to knock down fire. Firefighters said they encountered several ceilings to pull down, including a tin ceiling.

At 5:05 p.m., a 4^th alarm was transmitted by Chief Donnarumma.  This alarm brought a Jersey City task force consisting of two engines, one truck and two battalion chiefs to the scene. Their duties included assisting with fire operations in Delta-1.

At 6:pm, Fire Control received a progress report of  a still active fire and “all hands working.”  All that was left of the A and B structures was a foundation.  

A blind woman, confined to a wheel chair, died as a result of the fire. She was located in Exposure Delta during a search.  The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force investigators arrived  to assist the local authorities due to the death.  Several firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  Officials reported that over 20 people were displaced and were being assisted by city personnel and the Red Cross.  

At sundown, firefighters trained a hose line on the still-smoldering trees in the cemetery.

On a cold February 17th, 2025, evening, a wood-frame dwelling across the street from this fire, on the North Bergen side of Bergen Tpke. was gutted  by fire. It has now been completely renovated; however, this structure suffered blistered sidings and broken windows from the radiant heat.  

The Jersey City Gong Club canteen was on the scene to provide rehab assistance.  Copious amounts of bottled water were distributed as well as other items. 

The Jersey City companies were released from the scene around 8 p.m.  A fire watch of rotating North Hudson companies continued to monitor and wet down burning debris.