Passaic NJ 5th alm, 57-65 Lexington Ave. 7-16-18

At just after 22:00 on July 16th, 2018, Passaic NJ Fire Dept Engines 2, 3 & 4, L-2 and Battalion 1 responded to the area of Monroe St and Lexington Ave. for a reported structure fire in the El Chevere Restaurant. While enroute units were advised that the police were reporting a fire, upon arrival of BC-1 he confirmed a working fire and quickly requested a 2nd alarm. Fire was visible inside the restaurant as co's stretched a 2-1/2" handline into the building and the truck went to the roof. Initial reports were that the main body of fire appeared to be knocked down but the interior crews discovered fire above them which was confirmed by the truck which reported fire from the kitchen vent and then heavy fire in the cockloft and showing from the vent hole. With conditions rapidly deteriorating command had all co's evacuate the building as well as the roof. The fire rapidly spread to the delta, bravo, bravo 1 and bravo 2 exposures but co's were successful in protecting the delta 1, bravo 3 and charlie exposures which were all attached. A total of 5 alarms were sounded bringing numerous mutual aid co's from Bergen and Passaic Counties to the scene and for cover. 5 businesses were destroyed, 6 firefighters suffered minor injures and the fire was declared under control just after 02:00 with the use of 4 aerials and numerous hand lines and ground monitors. The cause of the fire is under investigation.