Incident Number: begins with last two numbers of the year (i.e., 23 for 2023) followed by sequential numbers. For instance, the third incident of the year 2023 would be # 230003
January 1, 2023: Tour 3 Incident # 23-000063 - 4th Alarm 206 Harrison Street 1st Alarm 1013 - Engines 5,4,1,2 Ladders 3,2 Battalions 2,3 RAC Unit Rescue 2 Car 3 EMS 5 Car 9 --- 2nd Alarm 1016 Squad 6 Engine 3 --- 3rd Alarm 1027 Engine 7 Ladder 1 --- Fourth Alarm 1045 Mutual Aid with Hawthorne Ladder Truck, Haledon Engine, Woodland Park Engine
3 Story Wood Frame Construction Duplex with fire on the third floor and through the roof with extension to the Bravo Exposure. Second Alarm on arrival. Light and air shaft caused fire drop down to the 2nd and 1st floors. Due to the heavy fire conditions operations were switched to a defensive attack. Multiple large caliber master streams and aerial streams were put into operation. All visible fire knocked down. Only exterior damage to exposure buildings.
February 2, 2023: Car fire at Paterson and Totowa Avenues
Battalion 1 Bombaro Photo
Squad 6 Bombaro Photo
February 4, 2023: Incident #23-004080 53-55 Oak St at Summer Street 1st Alarm @ 23:41 Engines 1,7,3 Ladder 1,2 Squad 6 Rescue 2 RAC Unit Battalions 1,2 2nd Alarm @ 23:49 Engines 3, 2 2 ½ Frame fully involved on arrival with minor extension into the B and C Exposures. Frigid temps around 0 degrees. 02:50 Fire Darkened down with companies starting to pick up.
Tour 4 Ladder 2 and Engine 4 crews from Northside Firehouse: F/F Kevin Raymond , F/F Mathew Abreu, F/F Scott Mathews, F/F John Platt, Captain Kenneth Ken Jeltema , Captain Paul Bazaz, F/F Jesus Ramirez and F/F Ricky Toledo
Ladder 3 Tour 1 - L-R Elvin Paulino, Captain Steve Crampton, Joe Lax
February 11, 2023: 198 Summer Street - working fire with rescue of two people.
2 ½ Wood frame mixed use, Residential over Commercial, Heavy Fire venting out D side second floor windows, No exposure issues.
1st Responder News May 2023
March 25, 2023: Pickle Factory 220 Ellison Streets (at Straight Street). 1 story Commercial warehouse fire through the roof on arrival, Defensive Operations, with no exposure issues.
2.5 story wood frame visible fire on arrival, with reported fire victims, and on scene 2 Firefighter injuries.
June 26, 2023: 462 East 23rd Street near 10th Avenue 2.5 story wood frame visible fire on arrival, with exposure on Delta side. 2nd Alarm for man power, Delta Exposure Incident # 23-020782 1st Alarm assignment 6/26/2023 @ 1120 Engine 5,1,3 SQUAD 6 Ladders 3,1 Rescue 2 RAC Unit Battalion 3,1 T/C, Deputy 3 2nd Alarm 6/26/2023 @ 1151 Engine 4 man power
Victor Scrivens photo
July 6, 2023: Paterson USAR unite responds to a ship fire in Newark where two firefighters made the Supreme Sacrifice.
PFD covering Newark firehouses during the funeral for LODD FF
PFD spare aerial acting as Newark L6
PFD aerial (Newark L6) and PFD Battalion Chief at 2nd alarm fire
July 26, 2023: Auto body shop and tow truck working fire - 596 River Street near 5th Ave Tour 4
1st Responder News September Issue
October Issue of 1st Responder News (NJ Edition)
August 7, 2023: Incident # 23-025982 76 Bloomfield Avenue - working fire - visible fire on 1st floor Bravo side with auto exposure to 2nd division, No extension found.
3 story wood frame occupied, visible fire on arrival 1st fl. Auto exposure to 2nd division, Squad 6 first due fire, established a water supply, and advanced 200 ft. of 1.750 hand-line to L,C,E all fire. No injuries reported. First fire scene action for the new Squad 6 pumper. Photos below are by Ron Bombaro.
Squad 6 - FF Joe DeSomma walking at rear
Squad 6 - FF Joe DeSomma at left
BC Michael Hall
DC Ricciardi
FF Jaquay Williams of L1 with pike pole in forefront
Click on the Bombaro photos below to enlarge and see FF identification
August 25, 2023:Incident # 23-027894106 Sheridan Ave visible fire from the basement and 1st floor. 1st alarm assignment 08/23/2023 @ 0254 Engines 2,4,7,Squad 6 Ladders 2,3 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2,1 T/C Deputy 4 2nd Alarm 08/23/2023 0426 Engines 5,3 for man power 2.5 wood frame Occupied, visible fire from basement and 1st fl. No FF injuries reported, 1 Occupant tx to Hospital for minor burn by EMS 2. 18 Occupants displaced relocated by RED CROSS. (Ron Bombaro Photos)
FF Dolak (on a swap normally T2) and Capt. Tom Dyk (Rescue 2 T4)
DC (Tour Commander) Orlando Rodriques and Captain Ryan Ackerman
August 28, 2023: Cement Truck overturn on Route 19 (Ron Bombaro photos)
September 8, 2023: As part of an archeological investigation water was diverted from the Passaic Falls thru the hydroelectric plant and with the help of PFD Rescue, exploration occurred. Research was done by the NPS Submerged Resources Team and Delaware Water Gap Dive Team. Cleanup above the falls was also performed.
September 20, 2023:Incident # 23-031340 2nd alarm at 50 Madison Avenue dwelling with fire extension and visible victims trapped on 3rd floor windows,
2.5 story wood frame Occupied, visible fire on arrival, and victims trapped on 3rd floor windows. Ladder 3 raised 28' ground ladder to remove 3 occupants from 3rd floor window (1 male adult, 1 female adult, 1 semiconscious infant) turned over to EMS 5. R-2 and E4 removed 1 occupant from 3rd floor via interior stairs turned over to EMS 3. 17 Occupants displaced relocated by RED CROSS
September 23, 2023: Rescue 1 along with the entire USAR Metro Strike Team was requested into West Milford for a building explosion with 6 people trapped. Prior to USAR arrival, the West Milford fire department removed 5 victims. The last victim was heavily entrapped approximately 10’ into the structure. Paterson Rescue 1 was the first USAR Rescue on scene and started shoring and tunneling toward the victim. Crews were quickly assisted by other arriving USAR units. Numerous battery tools were used to gain access to the victim. USAR units utilized airbags, A 50-ton bottle jack and Paratech Hydrarams to then lift the structure off the victim and remove them from the structure. The victim was successfully removed an hour after our arrival and transported via helicopter to the hospital. Fantastic work by all companies that operated on scene. Also posted at SPECIAL OP EVENTS (patersonfirehistory.com)
From Paterson_Rescue Instagram
PFD USAR Captai8n Mike Scherer
October 1, 2023: 10/1/2023 272 Vernon Avenue Incident # 23-032806 1st alarm assignment @ 2246 Hrs Engines 3, 1, 2 Squad 6 Ladders 1 and 3 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 1 and 2 Minor appliance fire in the first floor kitchen. No extension to the structure. Appliance was removed. Power at the main breaker was shut off. Water to the area was shut off. Owner on scene and advised. Area was checked with the thermal imaging camera and results were negative.
Ladder 1
FF Ralph Felicano L1 T1
E3 was first due company
B/C Craig Bland (B1 T1) -
Capt nexto him is Capt Saul Cintron R2 T1 -
Sq 6 with the chauffeur in the drivers seat - FF Greg Carter Sq6 T1
Squad 6 - Joe
FF Ken Brewington (R2 T1) in front of Sq 6
R2 and Squad 6
October 12, 2023: 77 Madison Avenue Incident # 23-033881 1st alarm assignment 10/12/2023 @ 0033 Hrs Engines 5, 1, 4, 3 Ladders 3 and 1 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2 and 3 T/C Deputy 2 On location found heavy smoke and fire on the 1st floor of a 2.5 story wood frame dwelling. Engine 5 established primary water supply and stretched primary 1 3/4" attack line. Engine 1 deployed 1 3/4"backup line. Engine 4 established secondary water supply and stretched 1 3/4" line to second floor. Ladder 3 and Ladder 1 to open up. Rescue 2 conducted primary searches of all floors and controlled utilities in basement. Engine 3 as RIT Team. Battalion 3 as Safety Officer. All searches were conducted and were negative. EMS 5 and EMS 1 transported two victims to SJP with burns/smoke inhalation. Deputy 2 on scene to assume command. RAC Unit conducted PARS and investigation. PSEG on scene to control utilities to house. Paterson PD on scene requested Red Cross to relocate 8 occupants.
Bombaro Photo
October 16, 2023: 218 East 22nd Street Incident # 23-034375 1st alarm assignment @ 1150 Hrs Engines 5, 1, 4, 3 Ladders 3, 1 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2 and 3 T/C Deputy 3 On arrival fire blowing out of division 2/attic window on B side. E-5 primary attack line, E-1 primary water supply and backup line, E-4 blitz line on exposure B also RIT, E-3 secondary water supply line, L-1 primary search and assist E-5 and 2 members of L-3 in attic division, L-3 split crew, 2 men in attic division, 2 members opened up roof. Battalion 3 Safety Officer/Interior Operations Command, R-2 secondary search- negative, also shut down utilities in basement. Fire extinguished, electric and gas shut off at street by PSE&G, investigations complete. 1 Captain suffered a leg injury during operations and was transported to St Joe's Paterson. PD 101 assisted with street and crowd control and assisted with Red Cross- 6 tenants displaced.
1st Responder News NJ Edition December 2023
BTF Photo
1st Responder News NJ Edition December 2023
October 23, 2023: 290 Getty Avenue Incident # 23-035227 1st alarm assignment @ 2012 Hrs Engines 1, 3, 7 Ladders 1, 2 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 1 and 2 T/C Deputy 2 2nd Alarm 10/23/2023 @ 2047 Man power only. Engines 5,and 4 1 story Commercial garage with smoke showing BTF Photos HERE
1st Responder News NJ Edition December 2023
BTF Photo
October 23, 2023: 184 Lafayette Street 1st arriving Unite was Prospect Park FD (covering Mutual Aid)
1st Responder Newspaper - December Issue 2023
BTF Photo
Engine 1 BTF Photo
BTF Photo Engine 4
Rocco Maley Captain Steven Ali Jose Ochoa and Francisco Peralta Jr - BTF Photo
November 5, 2023: 5 Preakness Avenue working fire with correct address is 1 Ottillo Terrace Incident # 23-036701 1 alarm fire @ 1604 Engines 2, 4, 7 Squad 6 Ladders 2 and 1 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 3 and 1 -- 1.5 story abandoned structure, contents fire on the 1st floor alpha side no extension to the structure.
Ron Bombaro photos
November 18, 2023: 358 Van Houten Street 2nd alarm with rescue. Incident # 23-038137 1st alarm assignment 11/18/2023 @ 0646 - Engines 5, 1, 4, Squad 6 Ladders 2, 1 Rescue 2, RAC Unit, Battalions 2 and 3 - T/C Deputy 3 2nd Alarm 11/18/2023 0647 CAR 4 Engines 7 and 3
2.5 wood frame Unoccupied boarded up structure, visible fire from rear and Delta side with a visible female trapped on division 1 (squatter). Rescued by Ladder 2 Personnel (FF Soto & FF Baker). Victim turned over to BLS for treatment and signed RMA/ AMA witnessed by Police on scene. No FF injuries reported or sustained during fire operations.
1st Responder News NJ Edition January 2024
February Issue 2024 1st responder Newspaper
Photos below by Ron Bombaro
Engine 1 Cab 2015 Pierce Arrow pumper
E5 Ferrara pumper (former E2) - Bombaro photo
DC Mike Cleenput - Bombaro photo
Captain Mike Scherer (R2, T3), FF MIke Piccoli (R2, T3) getting bottle change, & FF John Hurley (L1, T3). In background to left is FF Blondell Stewart III and at right Captain Rich Vargas
E5 Ferrara pumper (former E2) - Bombaro photo
E5 Ferrara pumper (former E2) = Bombaro photo
Squad 6
Ladder 1 - Bombaro photo
Rescue 2
Rescue 2
L-R: FF Isaac Rivera, Captain Dom Brigati (Floating Captain), FF Reggie Reams (L1, T3), & FF Tom DeHass (L1, T3).
L-R: FF Jean Vargas (E1, T3), FF Steve West (E1, T1)
Single alarm fire in the basement of a 2.5 wood frame mixed use residential over commercial occupied structure contained to the electrical panel. Fire in the electrical panel was controlled and contained, PSE & G on scene pulled the meter. No extension beyond the electrical panel. No injuries reported or sustained.
Ron Bombaro photos
L-R: FF Mike Picolli (R2, T3) with back turned, Captain John Salmond (E1, T3), Captain Dom Brigati (floating), FF Dylan Hirshmanner
December 2, 2023: 12:02 PM - Abandoned St. Mary's School on 96 Sherman Avenue working fire. Tour 1. With other companies at a Main Street fire, E5, E1 and # and L3 were dispatched. E5 and L3 arrived first and found heavy fire on second floor of the abandoned school. A 2.5-inch line was stretched. Ultimately other units joined, and it took ~ 2 hours to control the fire.
Intersection of Union Ave and Sherman Ave (looking North) - House on left back in 1960s was office of Dr A. Schultz
Looking south on Sherman Ave towards Union Avenue - Photos by thedraw_532
December 4, 2023: 85 North 7th Street Incident # 23-039952 1st alarm assignment @ 0625 Engines 4, 2, 5, 7 Ladders 2, 3 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 3 and 2 T/C Deputy 3 2nd Alarm 12/04/2023 @ 0629 Squad 6, E-1. 3rd Alarm 12/04/2023 @ 0646 L-1 and E-3. 3 story type 3 mixed occupancy of commercial on the 1st floor and residential apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floor, heavy fire showing on arrival from the C side of the structure on all 3 floors with fire venting from four windows on Division 2 Bravo side. 2nd Alarm on arrival reports of occupants trapped. 24 displaced occupants relocated by Red Cross through PD. First extra alarm fire during the Chief Alicea era. North Jersey News report- CLICK HERE
RAC Unit Captain Domenico Brigati -- North Jersey News photo
Click to enlarge the photos below
December 21, 2023: 2nd alarm at 423 East 18th Street Incident # 23-042020 1st alarm assignment 12/21/2023 @ 1049 Engines 1,3,4, Squad 6 Ladders 1,3 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2,3 T/C Deputy 1 2nd Alarm 12/23/2023 @ 1058 Engines 5,7
Working Fire - 3 story occupied Type 5 Mixed Use, 2 residential over 1 commercial building with a large volume of fire on the 3rd floor "C" side of the structure. Engine 3 advanced a 1.75 inch attack line to the 3rd floor. Ladder 3 started Primary search of 3rd floor. An adult male was seen by B/C Gander run into the building. B/C Gander went after the male and the top of the 2nd floor landing asked the man to exit the building. He then advised B/C Gander that there was a child in the "Bravo side" apartment. B/C Gander then asked the man where was the child? He responded "in the bedroom". Batt 2 (B/C Gander) then assigned the Capt. of Ladder 3 (Capt. L. Perez) and (F/F E. Beagin) to locate the child. At this time there was a heavy smoke condition on the 2nd floor more than halfway down from the ceiling. B/C Gander told the man he had to go and that the Firefighters will get the child. B/C Gander removed the man from the building. Capt. Perez and F/F Beagin located the child in the bedroom responsive. They wrapped the child in a blanket and removed the child from the building handing off to the man that B/C Gander removed from the building. At this time the "Bravo" exposure started to burn. B/C Gander immediately called for a 2nd alarm. Rescue 2 to Primary search of exposure "B" and Squad 6 to advance a line into the building to extinguish all visible fire. Engine 1 was assigned to a 2.5 inch attack line between the main fire building and exposure "B". Engine 5 from the "C" side of the building obtained its own water supply and knocked down all visible fire with the deck gun and a 2.5 inch attack line. Engine 7 was the RIT. Ladder 1 was able to take the roof and topside vented. Primary and secondary searches of the Bravo exposure proved negative throughout. Additional primary and secondary search of main fire building proved negative throughout. Fire was placed under control. Investigation was completed by F/F Dean. 1 female occupant was treated and transported to SJH with difficulty breathing (non-life threatening). A total of 10 occupants were displaced (6 adults 4 children). All were assisted by PD and Red Cross on scene. Gas and electric were shut down at the street by PS gas and electric. Passaic Valley water was notified to shut down the water at the street. Marshal 5 was on scene for the imminent hazard. Building owner was on scene and the building was turned over to him. Command was terminated.
From the Draw_532: Just before 11am this morning, Riverside was alerted to a possible fire at 423 East18th Street. Units arrived to find heavy fire from the rear of a 3-story type V with an exposure issue on the D side. Tour 1 L3 was first due truck and E3 was the first due engine as E5 was returning from another assignment. Searches were conducted and one occupant was removed by L3. E5 set up in a parking lot on the C side upon their arrival. A 2nd alarm was transmitted and the fire was brought under control in under an hour.
February 2024 Issue of 1st Responder Newspaper
Bill Tompkins photo
Captain Tyshawn Hawkins E4 Bombaro photo
Ladder 3 in front of House - Bombaro photo
Engine 1 Pierce Arrow Pumper - Bombaro photo
TC (D1) Andrew Ricciardi - Captain Tyshawn Hawkins E4 at right - Bombaro photo
L-R: FF T. Ellerbee (E4), Captain Tyshawn Hawkins (E4) in center & FF Mo Abdelaziz (E4) - Bombaro photo
December 23, 2023: 2nd Alarm 1033 East 19th Street Incident # 23-042276 1st alarm assignment 12/23/2023 @ 1252 Engines 1,3,5, Squad 6 Ladders 1,3 Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2,3 T/C Deputy 3 2nd Alarm 12/23/2023 @ 1336 Engines 4,7 Working Fire – 2 ½ story, Type 5 w/Fire showing Attic and Div. 2 w/extension to B-Exposure (3 ½ story Type 5). (1) Exposure line to A/B and (3) Attack lines to Div 2 and Attic stretched and in operation. Roof vented and primary searches negative, Bravo Exp. checked and no extension to interior of structure found. (1) additional engine called for manpower, 2nd Alarm called due to pump failure of E-1. Supply of attack lines transitioned from E1 to S6 which provided (2) 2 ½ supply lines w/gated wye’s to the front of the structure. Fire extinguished, secondary searches – negative, RAC conducted C&O Invest. PD and Red Cross on scene to re-locate 5 tenants, PS shut gas and elec. at the street. Homeowner on scene, Command terminated.
February 1, 2024: 515 Broadway - Incident # 24-003696 - 1st alarm assignment 01/01/2024 @ 1343 HRs. Engines 5, 1, 3, 4, Ladders 1, 3, RAC Unit, Battalions 3, 2, T/C Deputy 3 2nd Alarm 02/01/2024 @ 1407 Hrs Squad 6, E-7. Rescue 2 canceled in route @ 1604 previously assigned to another box at Lambert Castle. 2.5 story Type 5 wood frame structure with smoke showing from the 1st floor A side of the structure. Working fire was transmitted, companies secured primary and secondary water supplies and stretched attack lines into the basement to LCE all visible fire. Additional attack lines were stretched to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors to LCE any fire extension into the upper floors. A 2nd Alarm was transmitted due to fire extension throughout the structure. Companies conducted pre and post control overhaul throughout utilizing TIC. Companies conducted primary and secondary searches throughout with negative results. PSEG secured gas and electric entering the structure. Ladder 3 raised the aerial ladder to the roof and established multiple vertical ventilation holes. RAC investigator conducted and concluded his investigation. Building turned over to the building owner on scene. Total of 3 residence displaced assisted by RED CROSS. CLICK FOR BTF PHOTOS
1st Responder Newspaper NJ Edition April 2024
Draw_5_3_2 photo
Draw_5_3_2
Draw 5_3_2
New E1 Ferrara pumper, which was first due apparatus - (First extra alarm fire)
New E5 Ferrara pumper (First extra alarm fire)
E3 Ferrara pumper
Squad 6 Ferrara pumper
DC Matt Hyman
Photos below by Draw 5-3-2
Squad 6 FF Jeff Wanco
Squad 6 FFs Stephane Meunier & Jeff Wanco
Squad 6 FF Jeff Wanco
Capt. Ryan Higgins
FF Stephane Meunier
FF Gabe Crichlow
Photos courtesy John Hurley
From L-R…Capt. Jonathan Salmond (E1), Capt. Sean Duffy (L1), FF Reggie Reams (L1), FF Matt McLaughlin (L1), FF John Hurley (L1), FF Alvin Ramos (E1), FF Matt Poggi (L1) and FF Alex Hernandez (L1)
The way the roster worked out that day between someone having the day off and another guy calling out sick, two L1 members were detailed to E1 for the first 12 hours of the shift. So, the nozzle man and hydrant man were both L1 members.
Ladder 1
Ladder 1
February 28, 2024: 588 River Street 10:30 Second Alarm Utility pole spread to dwelling
Incident # 24-006833 1st alarm assignment @ 2220 Engines 5,4,1,2 and Ladders 3,2, Rescue 2, RAC Unit with Battalions 2, 3 and D1 dispatched to a reported pole fire and found wires arcing from pole # 67735 and fire showing from the A/D corner roof area of a 4 -story wood frame residential over commercial structure. Working Fire was transmitted by B2 I/C. Engine 5 established a primary water supply and operated a 2.5" hose line on the exterior of the structure. Ladder 3 forced entry and performed primary searches with negative results throughout. Engine 1 stretched a 1 3/4 " hose line to the attic to extinguish all visible fire. Engine 4 Stretched a 1 3/4" hose line to the 3rd floor to extinguish all visible fire. Engine 2 was RIT (Rapid Intervention Team).
Deputy 1 (TC) arrived on scene and transmitted a 2nd alarm. 2nd Alarm @ 2245 Hrs. Engine 3, and 7 responded. PSE&G arrived on scene and secured utilities to the structure. Paterson Police Unit 102 was on scene. Red Cross coordinated with Paterson Police for 4 displaced occupants. Building was turned over to owner on scene.
1stn Responder Newspaper NJ Edition April 2024
BTF photo
BTF photo
February 29, 2024: 69 Mercer Street - abandoned home with fatality
Incident # 24-006850 1st alarm assignment @ 0236 hrs: Engines 5,4,1,2 with Ladders 3,2 Rescue 2, and RAC Unit, Battalions 2,3 T/C Deputy 1.
Companies responded to a working fire in a 2.5 wood frame, B2 established command, B3 assigned as safety officer and interior operations. Members advanced interior hose lines to division 2 and attic division 3 with heavy fire conditions consuming the A side hallway, division 2 front room and the attic.
2nd Alarm @ 0303 hrs. Engine 3 and Squad 6 responded. Members pre overhauled division 2 and exposed heavy fire conditions on the C side. Primary searches performed on all floors with positive results of a DOA on division 3. Members operated several interior hose lines and an exposure line for complete extinguishment. All members accounted for and no injuries report on scene.
March 30, 2024: Incident # 24-010238 114 Cliff Street
Battalion 3 found working fire of a 3-story type 5 caused by a motor vehicle that crashed into the house on the exterior, rupturing the gas feed at the meter and damaging the electrical service drop. This created a gas fed fire on the exterior which extended into the car and structure. 2nd alarm transmitted. Companies stretched lines to the exterior to prevent further extension, and into the 1st and 2nd floor to confine and extinguish all fire. PSEG gas and electric called to the scene to secure utilities in the street. Primary and Secondary searches negative. Overhaul and salvage conducted throughout. All members rotated through rehab and multiple PARs conducted for accountability. Companies picked up, building secured. 10 displaced occupants relocated by Red Cross through PD.
April 16, 2024:Incident # 24-012253 4th alarm at 786, 788 and 790 East 18th Street 1st alarm assignment @ 12:27 Engines 1, 5, 4, Squad 6, Ladders 1, 3, Rescue 2, RAC Unit Battalions 2 and 3 T/C Deputy 4 2nd Alarm 04/16/2024 @ 12:31 E-2, E-7 3rd Alarm 04/16/2024 @ 12:44 L-2. 4th Alarm 04/16/2024 @ 13:15 Mutual Aide Companies
Battalion 2 found a working fire in a 3-story wood frame occupied residential structure, with fire showing on the second and third floor extending into the third floor of the "Delta," exposure, which was also a 3-story wood frame occupied residential structure. A second alarm was transmitted. Engine 1 established a primary water supply and stretched an attack line into the main fire building. Engine 5 stretched a backup line into the main fire building. Engine 3 established a secondary water supply and stretched a 2 1/2" hose line to the "Charlie," side of the main fire building. Ladder 1, Ladder 3 and Rescue 2 conducted primary searches and horizontal ventilation of the main fire building and "Delta," exposure with negative results. Squad 6 was RIT. Companies operated in an offensive mode then were evacuated and operated in a defensive mode. Ladder 1 and Ladder 3 operated master streams on both structures. Companies then re-entered the structures to complete extinguishment and conduct overhaul. Exposure D1 (786 E18th St.) sustained major water damage. RAC on scene for cause and origin. Red Cross on scene for 42 displaced occupants. PSE&G on scene to secure gas and electric to all 3 structures. Passaic Valley Water on scene to secure water to all 3 structures.