Article and photos by Ron Jeffers
As Jersey City (NJ) firefighters answered Box 423 shortly after midnight on March 28th, they were greeted with heavy smoke rolling out of the front door of a produce store at 333 Central Avenue. Above the store of the three-story wood-frame structure, all openings were covered on the “A” side and at the top the original name of the building was visible through the smoke with a date of 1895. All store fronts in this area were protected by roll-down security gates, making quick access difficult. Third Battalion Chief Robert Daly struck a second-alarm upon his arrival.
Once forcible entry was accomplished, firefighters made a valiant effort advancing their handlines into the structure. Smoke was showing in Exposure “B,” a vacant three-story structure, and Exposure “D,” another three-story building with two stores on the ground floor and occupied apartments above. Approximately eight people were evacuated from that structure.
A third-alarm was transmitted by Deputy Chief Kevin Stewart, and later, as conditions started to deteriorate, all members were ordered out of the original fire building. Later, fourth and fifth alarms were sounded for additional resources.
The front wall of the original fire building collapsed into the street, but no one was injured. Fire extended into the exposures and master streams were set up. The fire also extended into Exposure “D”-1, a large corner commercial structure that housed a Rite Aid drug store. Fire moved into the roof area, as truck companies opened up from above and below and numerous had lines set up to make a stand, as they gained control.
The fire was paced under control at 3:55 a.m.
See more photos from this fire HERE.
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