Story and photo by Ron Jeffers
A large column of black smoke rose above Passaic, New Jersey, on Columbus Day afternoon that was visible in New York City. A fire consumed an unoccupied two-story mixed use building set up for commercial and residential purposes at 781 Main Ave., in the heart of the city’s downtown business district.
Around 2 p.m., fire units were dispatched to the scene and were met by the building’s owner, who had to be transported to a local hospital for minor burns, officials said. Heavy smoke was pouring out of the structure, which was attached to an auto body shop on the B side and a carpet furniture business on the D side. Battalion Chief Kenneth Payne struck a second alarm and invoked mutual aid.
Minor extension to the body shop was reported, but quickly kept in check. An explosion in the rear of the fire building caused a portion of the roof to collapse about 20 minutes after fire companies arrived, according to Chief Patrick Trentacost. A defensive operation was then established. This included placing a tower ladder and ladder pipe into service.
The stubborn fire was well involved in the walls and ceilings. Smoke would lighten up, and then thicken up again. Mutual aid fire companies that arrived in the early stages and went to work included units from Clifton, Paterson, East Rutherford, Carlstadt, and Wallington. The fire was declared under control by Chief Trentacost around 5:45 p.m.
Some firefighters were treated for minor cuts and smoke inhalation, officials said.
See more photos from this incident HERE.
MORE RON JEFFERS
