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By Ron Jeffers
A fire spread rapidly through a two-story building on Sterling Avenue in Weehawken, New Jersey, on December 16, 2017. Besides a freezing temperature, firefighters reported some kind of accelerant liquid on the floor that would flash up at times. In addition, there was ammunition stored on the second-floo, for legally registered guns.
At 10:24 a.m., North Hudson Regional firefighters were dispatched to Sterling Avenue, near Jefferson St., for a reported fire. Township police were the first to arrive and reported to their dispatcher that there was smoke coming from a two-story structure. This was followed by a report of flames venting out the front door.
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Fire companies arrived to find flames showing and a working fire was declared, followed by a second alarm. The dwelling appeared to be used primarily for office purposes. There was a large stock of books plus office space. In addition, the building has a wood burning stove. There were stacks of lumber at the front door and stored on the “B” side of the structure.
There was fire in the basement that rose above. Captain Robert D’Antonio, Jr. of Engine Co. 4 fell through the weakened floor into the flaming basement. The basement level is located on a cliff with window openings. Luckily the captain was able to find his way out to safety quickly and did not require medical attention.
As fire rose to the second-floor, a third alarm was struck by Deputy Chief Charles Thomas. Firefighters employed a foam line to cover the accelerant liquid on the ground floor, which apparently was also stored in the building. During the fire, several loud popping noises were heard, but that was reported to be aerosol cans exploding, and not the ammunition.
It took over an hour to declare under control because of flames extending up walls to the roof, requiring firefighters to use hooks to open up walls and ceiling to get to the concealed fire.
One firefighter was transported to Palisades Medical Center with a nonlife-threatening injury. A township police arson investigator was summoned to the scene. In addition, the Jersey City Gong Club canteen unit was on hand to offer bottled water and hot drinks to the soot-covered firefighters.
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