Passaic NJ 4th alarm, 100 High St. 04-13-21

4 alarms were required in the City of Passaic on April 13th, 2021 when a stubborn fire tore through a large 3-1/2 story victorian style home at 100 High St. At just after 14:00 hours the dispatch center started receiving numerous calls for a house fire at around the same time a Passaic police officer on patrol noticed a large amount of smoke and fire and requested the FD. On arrival units found heavy fire on the 1st floor auto extending into the upper floors as well as the electrical meters on the rear of the building arcing. 2nd and 3rd alarms were quickly requested by Battalion Chief Hayowyk as an aggressive offensive attack was underway. As conditions deteriorated and the fire continued to spread through the old home despite the efforts of the companies, a 4th alarm was transmitted by Chief of Dept Trentacost and all members were ordered out of the building. With heavy fire breaking through the roof, an exterior attack was put into place with 3 aerial streams and several exterior handlines. After approximately 90 minutes from the time of dispatch, crews re-entered the building to overhaul and hit hot spots. No injuries were reported however 11 residents were displaced. The fire department remained on the scene overnight on a fire watch. The cause of the fire is under investigation but believed to have started in the kitchen on the 1st floor.