WEST NEW YORK, NJ - Shortly before 3:00 P.M., May 24th, North Hudson fire companies were dispatched to a fire on the 300-block of 58th Street. Fire Control reported to responding units that they were receiving numerous phone calls. Captain Chris Jorquera, of first-due Ladder Co. 4, reported smoke in the area. This was followed by a report of smoke showing in the sky and a working fire transmitted by 2nd Battalion Chief Adrian Prunes.

There was difficulty locating the fire, reported in the rear of some buildings, and then reported as fire showing in the rear of the 300-block of 59th Street. A large shed was heavily involved with fire extending to nearby dwellings. A second-alarm was transmitted.

Hose lines were stretched through a narrow alley and a 59th Street dwelling to gain access to the seat of the fire. The fire in the shed was knocked down as well as fire involving sidings of occupied dwellings. Companies continued to open up walls and check for extension.

As things calmed down, firefighters on a rear 59th Street roof observed smoke coming from a third floor window of a five-story ordinary, mixed use building, fronted on Hudson Avenue, around the corner from the initial operations. Incident Commander, Deputy Chief David Donnarumma, was notified by radio of a second fire. Firefighters scrambled around the corner, saw the smoke, and entered the Hudson Avenue apartment with water cans, followed by a hand line, for fire extinguishment and to make searchers.

The fire, that appeared to originate by a window, was knocked down, and fog venting proceeded. Firefighters came out to the street to take a blow and grab bottled water. Several members were examined by West New York and Jersey City Medical Center EMTs, with one firefighter transported to Palisades Medical Center for further evaluation.

The origin of both fires were being investigated by local officials.