Bayonne NJ 5th alarm, 455-459 Ave C. 06-18-16

At approximately 01:30 on June 18th, 2016, Bayonne NJ firefighters responded to 455-459 Ave C for a reported fire. On arrival companies found heavy fire in the rear of the 2 and 3 story class 3 building which housed a large laundrymat on the 1st floor and apts above. A 2nd alarm was transmitted as companies evacuated the building and initiated an interior attack on the fire. The building which was approximately 150' X 150' was renovated with a mansard roof added at some time. With heavy fire in the walls and in the cockloft, 3rd and 4th alarms were requested bringing mutual aid from Jersey City, North Hudson Fire/Rescue, Kearny and Hoboken to the scene. As conditions deteriorated, command ordered the evacuation and exterior streams were set up, 2 tower ladders, 2 ladder pipes, and numerous hand lines were put into operation. With companies heavily engaged and without warning, a portion of the roof collapsed in the rear of the 2 story section which caused the mansard roof to collapse on several firefighters operating underneath, 2 firefighters were briefly trapped but quickly removed and transported to the hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries. A 5th alarm was requested which brought a task force from Essex County into the city for coverage which included Montclair, Bloomfield, East Orange and Belleville. 45 residents were displaced, 5 transported to the hospital, 3 with smoke inhalation. The fire was placed under control by Chief of Dept. Weaver at 05:00 and the cause is under investigation.