PATERSON, NJ - On September 13^th, contractors were demolishing the remains of a long vacant dye factory at 198 Putnam St. During the process, a large silo was toppled and the contents inside burst into flame.

Shortly before noon, units were dispatched for a working car fire, which was later changed to a trailer fire, and eventually determined to be the silo. Unsure of the contents, a defensive operation with a ladder pipe and several large caliber hand lines were put into operation to keep the flames from extending. Readings from the smoke prompted a shelter in place for a 2000’ radius and multiple mutual aid Haz-Mat units to respond. 

Mutual aid Haz-Mat and fire units responded to the scene from Newark, Jersey City, Hackensack, Nutley, Belleville, Bloomfield, and Bergen County. It was later determined that the smoke was not toxic and mutual aid began to be released. The shelter in place order was lifted at about 6:00 pm. No injuries were reported.