Paterson NJ 4th alarm, 14 & 16 Barnert Pl. 03-07-21

Paterson Fire Dept. tour 2 had a busy shift on March 7th 2021, after fighting a 3 alarm fire in a 3 story OMD with rescue made by members of Rescue 2, co's continued to run all afternoon with various calls. At approximately 21:40, dispatch started receiving calls for a possible building fire on Barnert Ave. Battalion 3 quickly arrived from the nearby Northside firehouse and reported what appeared to be an outside fire between 2 homes in the rear. The fire was quickly upgraded to a working fire and upon arrival of Deputy 2, DC Calamita, he reported fire involving "2" 2-1/2 story frames with fire extending to the attics of both buildings and requested a 2nd alarm. Lines were stretched into both buildings and set up for exposure protection but conditions deteriorated and with fire now reported in a 3rd building, command requested a 3rd alarm. Co's were hampered by water supply issues, a narrow street making apparatus placement difficult as well as difficult access to the rear of the homes and as the fire continued to grow command transmitted the 4th alarm.
2 aerial streams, 1 deck gun and numerous hand lines were put into operation to knock down the fire enough to allow co's to re-enter the buildings. The fire was finally placed PWH at around 11:30 and under control shortly after midnight although co's remained on the scene overhauling. The fire heavily damaged #14 and 16 and also damaged 18 and 12, 29 people were displaced but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.