Paterson NJ GA+ 90 George St, 02-05-14

On February 5th just before 2200 hours, Paterson NJ Fire Dept received numerous calls reporting a fire in the area of George St, Getty Ave and W. Railroad Ave, while enroute co's reported heavy smoke and fire visible on arrival a 2nd alarm was requested by BC 1 stating "a very large 3 story mill, very heavy fire on the top floor" followed by the request for a 3rd alarm. The fire building was an L shaped 200' X 200' mill type warehouse built around 1900 and housing several businesses, workers who were on the lower floors when the fire started were able to escape. With heavy fire leaping at times 30+ feet over the roof line co's set up a defensive attack to protect the exposures using multiple ladder pipes, deck guns and 2-1/2" hand lines in frigid temperatures and gusty winds which were blowing large embers for several blocks threatening other commercial building. With all Paterson companies operating, mutual aid fire co's from Passaic County, Bergen County, Essex County and Morris County were requested to the scene and for cover. The fire was declared contained on Thursday afternoon but not officially under control as fire continued to flare up in the structure and under the collapsed roof and floors, companies remained on the scene for several days hitting hot spots with mutual aid companies assisting. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and no injuries were reported.