East Orange NJ 2nd alarm+, 54 Springdale Ave. 02-26-15

At just after 11:30 hours on February 26th East Orange NJ Fire Dept responded to 54 Springdale Ave for a reported fire, Newark Fire Dept also had 2 engines, a ladder and a BC responding for smoke in the area due to the proximity to the city line. On arrival EOFD reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing and fire on the B side of the building which housed an auto repair business. Companies reported and exposure problem on the D side and command requested a 2nd alarm. Due to fire conditions and that the building had a bow string truss roof, all members were evacuated and companies set up for a defensive attack. Firefighters quickly placed 1 ladder pipe, 1 telesquirt (Bloomfield), 1 deck gun, numerous 2-1/2" hand lines and several blitzfires into operation, the Newark ladder set up for ladder pipe operations on the D side but never went into service. A collapse zone was set up as protions of the roof began to collapse and the front wall started to lean. The fire was PWH at about 13:30 but companies remained on the scene well into the evening hitting hot spots. No injuries were reported and the building was a total loss.