Paterson NJ 2nd alarm explosion, 16 Goshen St. 10-04-16

At 0902 on October 4th, 2016, Paterson E-6, L-1 and BC-1 responded to 16 Goshen St. for a possible gas leak. On arrival companies found a confirmed leak in the basement of the 2-1/2 story frame, described as a loud hissing sound. Co's started evacuating the adjacent dwellings and at 0920, BC-1 requested R-2 special called. At 0921 Deputy 3 advised dispatch that he was responding and also asked that the box be filled out, E-3, 1, 7 and L-2 were assigned. At 0928 as rescue 2 was in the process of removing an elderly woman from the C exposure (on Grove St) a powerful explosion ripped through the home destroying it as well as the B exposure, #18, another 2-1/2 story frame with heavy fire in the debris. DC-3 arrived shortly after the explosion and at 0933 requested a 2nd alarm bringing E-4 & 5 and the field com. A par was conducted and all members were accounted for, co's set up numerous exterior hand lines to knock down the fire and protect the exposures. All visible fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes but companies continued to wet down the rubble due to deep seated fire which continued to smolder. Miraculously all occupants had been safely evacuated prior to the explosion and no civilians were injured. 15 firefighters and 3 police officers were transported to the hospital with non life threatening injuries, mainly due to ringing in the ears from the explosion. The D exposure building was severely damaged and was torn down, the B-1 exposure was also heavily damaged but it fat undetermined. As many as 56 other buildings in the area suffered damage and were being evaluated by engineers. A total of 38 people were displaced. Many lives were probably saved by the swift actions of the Paterson Fire Dept. at great risk to their own safety.