Bronx, NY - A quickly escalating fire damaged or destroyed three commercial buildings on congested Jerome Avenue in the Bronx on the morning of July 1st.

Engine 75 arrived at 1959 Jerome Ave. shortly after 2:00 A.M. to find heavy smoke venting from a two-story 185'X100' taxpayer, with an auto repair shop on the first floor and a parking garage on the second. The “all hands” was transmitted at 2:08 A.M. for several cars burning in the parking garage. Access and visibility was limited as companies advanced several lines to hit the flames. The fire continued to spread and at 2:19 A.M. a second-alarm was transmitted. The flames soon extended to the roof area and at 2:30 A.M., a third-alarm was called for by Division 7.

Conditions continued to deteriorate and all members were ordered off the roof and operations went defensive. A MAYDAY was sounded for a collapse of the rear wall, but that was quickly cleared. The fire spread to both the “B” and “D” exposures, prompting a fourth-alarm. Eventually, seven tower ladders were operating as well as several multi-versals. Companies were able to work around the elevated subway tracks that ran in front of the fire building.

The fire was able to be placed PWH at 5:11 A.M., but not placed under control until 11:46 A.M. Several units remained for a watch line. No serious injuries were reported.