Paterson NJ 3rd Alm, 522 14th Ave. 11-10-17

On the 1st cold night of the season, the Paterson NJ Fire Dept found themselves busy with several rubbish fires and other nuisance alarms. At 1905 the dispatch office received calls for a possible fire at 522 14th Ave. the police also reported getting numerous calls. On arrival, co's found a working fire in a vacant 2.5 story frame dwelling with fire showing between the fire building and the delta exposure at #520, another 2.5 story frame. Within minutes a 2nd alarm was requested as co's worked on gaining entry into the heavily boarded up building. Numerous lines were stretched as fire was found in the basement and all floors of the original building with extension into the exposure. At around the 1 hour mark Deputy 1 reported the main body of fire knocked down and companies opening up and hitting hot spots however high winds and the low temperatures were making things difficult especially in the rear of the structure where several members narrowly escaped injury from slipping on ice. At 2035, command reported conditions deteriorating due to the high winds and he requested the evacuation of all members from the building, at 2045 a 3rd alarm was requested for manpower. After another hour with a defensive attack, exterior lines were once again shut down and co's attempted to make entry, however it was determined the structure was unsafe for members to re-enter and the exterior attack was continued. At 2230 command reported all visible fire knocked down, the fire was placed probably will hold and units were started to be released. At least 2 firefighters suffered minor injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.