Paterson NJ 4th alarm, 126 Berkshire Ave. 01-05-22

Four alarms were required to bring a fire in a home improvement company under control in Paterson NJ on January 5th, 2022. Just after 05:00 Fire Dispatch transmitted the box in the 3rd battalion for a reported building fire at 126 Berkshire Ave. First due engine 2 arrived minutes later and reported a working fire with heavy fire in the rear of the large 1 story commercial building. Battalion 3 arrived, confirmed the report and requested a 2nd alarm due to the volume of fire as well as exposure problems. With heavy fire throughout the building exterior lines and elevated streams were put in service in both the front and the rear as temperatures dropped and freezing rain created treacherous conditions on the fire ground as well as on area roadways.
Within 45 minutes the 4th alarm was transmitted, bringing mutual aid companies to the scene as well as into the city for coverage. Most of the roof collapsed into the building and the fire was finally placed under control just before noon. No injuries were reported however firefighters did rescue a guard dog from the building and the fire is under investigation.