Fire photographer Ron Jeffers shared some photos from the scene of a fire that took a toll on Jersey City (NJ) firefighters earlier this week.
With the temperature in the 80’s and high humidity, Jersey City fire crews went to work battling a fire that involved two three-story, wood-frame, mixed-occupancy buildings on September 4, 2022.
Around 12:43 p.m., it was reported that a civilian had alerted members of Engine Co. 9 at the Bergen Avenue firehouse of a fire a few blocks south of them at the corner of Fairview Avenue. Engine 9 radioed in the alarm for a working fire as they looked south. Captain George Conroy and his crew then turned out. At the same time, Fourth Battalion Chief Michael Nickerson was passing by and was flagged down by pedestrians. He notified fire dispatch of a working fire, now in two buildings, and transmitted the second alarm.
The attached fire buildings contain dwellings above a dry cleaners and a mini market and deli. According to an interview with News-12 New Jersey TV, Chief of Department Steven Mc Gill said that the fire most likely started on the second floor between the buildings.
Firefighters began opening up walls and ceilings and knocking down flames, but the fire continued its spread to the cockloft and eventually through the roof. A heavy volume of fire was visible from the roof with a thick column of black smoke visible for miles.
As firefighters radioed in their fire progression and suppression reports, Deputy Chief Anthony Dell Rosa special called two additional engine companies. This was later followed by the transmission of a third alarm.
Firefighters cut numerous holes in the rooftops as ladder companies positioned three aerial ladders in the intersection with their ladders raised to the structures for egress.
After working for a period of time, numerous firefighters came back to the street to remove their gear and get a bottled water and cold rags from both neighbors and the Gong Club canteen. They rotated their operations and rehabilitation.
Firefighters began winning their battle with the fire, but it was reported that seven members were taken to the hospital for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries. Twenty-one adults and seven children were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross, according an O.E.M. official.
