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Early Morning Fire Destroys Garfield Apartment Building

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

Garfield, NJ - A fast-moving fire destroyed a Garfield apartment building in the early morning of May 28th.

At 1:30 A.M., companies were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 91 Jewell Street. Assistant Chief Tani and Assistant Chief Morano arrived on scene minutes after dispatch and were met by heavy fire conditions along with residents coming down fire escapes. As Chief Colon took over command a general-alarm was sounded, requesting all companies respond to the scene.

Heavy fire was quickly consuming the top floor and roof of the three-story, multi-family building. An aggressive interior attack of a well advanced fire was attempted while other companies protected exposures. Companies were withdrawn from the building due to fire conditions and an exterior attack was made. Master streams that operated came from Truck 4's ladder pipe, Engine 3's deck gun and numerous outside hand lines. During the operation the roof collapsed into the fire building.

No members were injured during this fire and only one civilian had minor injuries. Garfield police forced their way in and got all residents to safety prior to FD arrival, Police Capt. Richard Uram said. One resident was hospitalized with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening. Two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation, Uram said. The American Red Cross relocated three families and assisted 16 other residents, the captain said. The fire was declared under control by Chief Colon at 3:45 A.M.

Out-of-town companies from Saddle Brook and Wallington assisted on scene along with the Saddle Brook Ambulance Corps Fire Rehab Unit. Units from Elmwood Park, Lodi and Rochelle Park covered the city.

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DAMIEN DANISSenior Correspondent

No information from the author.