Shortly after 1:30 pm on December 7th, residents in Kearny ran to their local firehouse on Davis Avenue to report a fire just up the block in an occupied three-story wood frame dwelling. Engine Co. 1 turned out and notified dispatch of their verbal alarm.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and heat inside the building. Soon, flames were visible behind windows on the third-floor, on the C side of the structure.  Heavy black smoke rose into the sky and low-banking smoke covered the neighborhood.   

All Kearny fire companies responded.  Mutual aid was summoned which included Harrison Ladder 1, plus Jersey City Engines 15 and 17, Ladder 9, Battalion 4 and the Field Training Officer (Battalion Chief).  

The fire raced through the top floor from the rear to the front of the dwelling.  Conditions continued to deteriorate and the evacuation tones were sounded.  In addition, a collapse zone was set up.

Master streams that were used on the fire included Kearny Tower 2, a ladder pipe from Jersey City Ladder 9, Kearny Engine 1's deck gun and three ground monitors.  Hand lines were used to protect exposure B, a 2.5 wood-frame occupied dwelling, as well as a hand line on the roof of this structure to hit flames in the fire building.

Master streams continued to operate as the sun set.  The fire was placed under control at approximately 5:40 p.m.  No injuries were reported, according to News 12.  Luckily, during the fire, the temperature was in the 40-degree area. Overnight, the temperature dropped to below freezing.   

Officials reported nine people, from three families were displaced.  They were given shelter in Engine Co. 1's firehouse where they were assisted by members of the Red Cross.  The Jersey City Gong Club canteen and Jersey City O.E.M. rehab bus were on the scene to assist.