Photo and story by Ron Jeffers
A labor intensive fire sent huge columns of black smoke visible throughout the North Jersey-New York City metropolitan area as fire units from three New Jersey counties operated at multiple-alarm fire in a one-story sheet metal business in North Arlington, New Jersey, on the morning of January 23.
The fire building had serious exposure problems on the B, C, and D sides, including an antique automobile restoration business on the “D” side containing some classic vehicles. In addition, engine companies had long stretches of large diameter hose (LDH) from fire hydrants several blocks away from the burning building, located near the end of Ewing Avenue near the Meadowlands, for proper water supplies
A defensive attack was was set up which included two tower ladders and a ladder pipe. A few explosions and a flash of flames blew out of the front bay doors of the structure during the operation. Firefighters were also hampered by the 16 degree temperature and ice.
It took several hours to bring the fire under control as fire units called in relief personnel from the various Bergen, Hudson and Essex County fire departments. Hazmat units from Garfield and Bergen County were also summoned to the scene. A rehab tent was set up by the Moonachie EMS & Rescue Squad and the Teaneck Box 54 canteen provided refreshments.
See more photos at http://www.fireengineering.com/photo-of-the-day/northern-new-jersey-fire-photos.html.
