East Orange NJ 5th alarm, 225-231 Central Ave. 04-14-23

At 12:26 on April 14th 2023, East Orange NJ Fire Dept responded on a phone alarm for a reported fire at 225 Central Ave. On arrival companies found a working fire in the end store of the 100 X 25 1 story taxpayer. The all hands was transmitted quickly followed by a 2nd alarm as companies encountered heavy fire in the rear of the store, heavy smoke in the other 3 stores in the strip and possible fire in the cockloft. As conditions deteriorated, command pulled all co's from the building and off the roof. Command reported all visible fire in the store of origin was knocked down however there was still a heavy smoke in the other stores. It appeared that companies were making progress when conditions rapidly deteriorated. A 3rd alarm was requested as fire broke through the roof impinging on and endangering the C exposure, a large 3 story frame multiple dwelling. The fire went to 5 alarms, with mutual aid from through out the area responding to the scene or providing station coverage. One firefighter suffered minor injuries, the exposure, although sustaining damage to the exterior was saved due aggressive firefighting and the fire took several hours to be placed under control. Firefighters were hampered by a common cockloft, unseasonably warm temperatures and a thick acrid smoke condition that hung in the street and many time completely obscured the building.