Four-Alarm Hawthorne Tire Center Fire Draws Multi-County Mutual Aid Response

Hawthorne firefighters and mutual-aid companies from across Passaic and Bergen counties operated at a four-alarm fire that heavily damaged the Hawthorne Tire Center and residential space above the business.

The Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 7:23 a.m. to 136 Goffle Road for the incident on September 1, 2026, in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Arriving companies encountered heavy fire and smoke from the 2½-story mixed commercial and residential building.

Initial Hawthorne crews began an interior attack and searched the apartments above the business. As conditions deteriorated and fire extended through the structure, crews withdrew and transitioned to defensive operations. Additional alarms were transmitted, bringing mutual-aid resources from Passaic and Bergen counties.

Departments documented as assisting at the scene included North Haledon, Prospect Park, Paterson, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Haledon, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Midland Park, Paramus and Hackensack. Ridgewood Engine 35 and Wyckoff Engine 234 were among the mutual-aid apparatus assigned to the incident. Clifton, Franklin Lakes, Wayne and Waldwick provided coverage during the operation.

Elevated master streams from Hawthorne, North Haledon, Prospect Park and Paterson were placed in service along with ground monitors and handlines. The tire and automotive occupancy presented a substantial fire load that included tires, vehicles, fuel oil and other automotive products. Crews also worked to control contaminated runoff from the scene.

Additional support was provided by Hawthorne Police, Hawthorne EMS, Passaic County Sheriff's hazmat and EMS resources, county rehabilitation personnel, and Passaic and Bergen county fire coordinators.

Six firefighters were transported to the hospital following exposure to smoke and fumes and were later released, according to WABC. No occupants were reported seriously injured. The American Red Cross assisted 10 displaced residents from two families.

Companies remained on scene into the afternoon conducting suppression and overhaul operations. The building sustained extensive damage and was considered a total loss. The cause of the fire remained under investigation in reports following the incident.