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Posted December 7, 2009 EST
Harrison Third Alarm Leaves Dozens Homeless
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United States (New Jersey) -
An early morning fire tore through a frame OMD in Harrison, forcing the residents into the street with only the clothes they were wearing, and leaving them without a home just before the holidays. Shortly before 5:30 AM, fire units were dispatched to Franklin Ave. and Harrison Ave. for a report of fire. Smoke and flames were visible from quarters and a second alarm was transmitted while units were still responding. Heavy fire was showing from the rear of a large three-story frame multiple dwelling on the second and third floors. All residents were removed from the structure as lines were stretched and an interior attack was commenced.
The flames had too much of a head start, and the decision was made to go defensive to hit the fire with big water from the outside and protect the exposure buildings on both sides which were similar structures separated by only about five feet. A third alarm was sounded bringing additional units to the scene. Harrison’s tiller put a ladder pipe in operation in the front of the building, while Kearny’s tower and East Newark’s stick went to work in the rear. Several handlines were also put in service to hit the fire and try to protect the exposures.
Flames blew out of the side windows of the fire building and extended into both exposure buildings, but interior crews were able to keep the extension to a minimum. Water supply soon became an issue, and additional units were called to the scene and stretched in from hydrants several blocks away. Flames slowly extended from the rear to the front of the building eventually causing part of the front façade to collapse. After most of the roof was consumed, the heavy fire died down. Shortly after 8:00 the fire was able to be placed under control, but overhaul would be an extended operation.
All occupants were believed to have safely evacuated the building, and no other serious injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.
The flames had too much of a head start, and the decision was made to go defensive to hit the fire with big water from the outside and protect the exposure buildings on both sides which were similar structures separated by only about five feet. A third alarm was sounded bringing additional units to the scene. Harrison’s tiller put a ladder pipe in operation in the front of the building, while Kearny’s tower and East Newark’s stick went to work in the rear. Several handlines were also put in service to hit the fire and try to protect the exposures.
Flames blew out of the side windows of the fire building and extended into both exposure buildings, but interior crews were able to keep the extension to a minimum. Water supply soon became an issue, and additional units were called to the scene and stretched in from hydrants several blocks away. Flames slowly extended from the rear to the front of the building eventually causing part of the front façade to collapse. After most of the roof was consumed, the heavy fire died down. Shortly after 8:00 the fire was able to be placed under control, but overhaul would be an extended operation.
All occupants were believed to have safely evacuated the building, and no other serious injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.
Written and photos by Bill Tompkins
Courtesy of BTFirePhotos - User-Submitted Photo Story
