Tire Shop Gutted in Hawthorne

On the morning of September 1st, a longtime Hawthorne business was consumed by a four-alarm fire that took nearly five hours to control.

At 7:23 AM, companies were dispatched to the Hawthorne Tire Center at 136 Goffle Road for a possible fire. Heavy smoke was pushing from the one-story, two-bay tire shop with an attached office that sat below a 1½-story frame dwelling that fronted N. 8th St. in the rear. A second alarm was transmitted as crews attempted to advance into the tire shop while others searched the apartments above. The attack into the tire shop had to be withdrawn after a flashover was reported. Additional alarms were called as companies went defensive.

Flames quickly spread throughout the structure. Heavy black smoke from the burning tires produced a large column of smoke. Companies vented the roof of the dwelling, and heavy fire soon came through. Elevated master streams from Hawthorne, North Haledon, Prospect Park, and Paterson were put into operation, as well as Multi-Versals and handlines.

Companies worked until after noon to fully extinguish the flames. Firefighters dragged numerous tires to the sidewalk to keep them from igniting. The building was considered a complete loss, with most of the roof burned away and heavy fire damage inside. Five firefighters received minor injuries and were soon released. Up to ten residents were reported to be homeless. One cat perished. The cause was not immediately determined.