Lodi NJ 3rd alarm, 36 Columbia Ave. 02-07-15

At just around 02:30 on February 7th 2015, Lodi Fire Dept responded to 36 Columbia Ave for a reported outside fire in the rear of the building. On arrival PD units reported a working house fire with heavy fire in the rear, upon arrival of the first chief, a 2nd alarm was requested, he reported heavy fire on all floors and breaking through the roof in the rear. An interior attack was attempted but water problems and a well advanced fire eventually forced command to evacuate the building and go to a defensive attack. Due to the water supply problems, companies tapped into 5 different fire hydrants in order to supply adequate water for 2 ladder pipes, 1 deck gun and numerous hand lines. About 1-1/2 hours into the fire a major collapse of the roof and side B wall required a collapse zone be set up around the building. Firefighters were able to successfully keep the fire from extending into the exposures but the original building was a total loss. The fire was placed under control at around 05:30, 1 firefighter and 1 occupant were transported to the hospital with minor injuries and the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. Firefighters from Garfield, Hasbrouck Hts, Wallington, Hackensack, Maywood, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Pk assisted at the scene.