2025-2026

Todd Hollritt photo

Abbreviations:
FF = Firefighter FM = Fire Marshall
OMD = ordinary masonry building PAR's = Personnel Accountability Reports RAC Unit = Rehabilitation, Accountability, Communications Unit
RIC = Raid Intervention Crew
RIT = Rapid Intervention Team
TIC = Thermal Imaging Camera
VES = Vent-Enter-Search

2025 - 2026

January 1, 2025: 62 Wayne Avenue 2nd Alarm
Incident # 25-000012
1st alarm assignment 1/1/2025 @ 02:12
Engines 2,7,4, Squad 6. Ladders 2, 1, Rescue 2, RAC Unit, Battalions 1, 2, T/C Deputy Car 3
2nd Alarm 1/01/2025 @ 3:28 Engine 1

Arrived on scene. B1 Established command for a working fire in a 3-story occupied type 5 residential dwelling with heavy fire on the 3rd floor on the D side exposure issue. Assigned companies and Car 3 arrived on scene and assumed command. Assigned to main fire building for interior operations. Supervised companies operating on the 3rd floor, then secondary searches and controlling utilities. No injuries reported on scene, 18 residents displaced.

Ron Bombaro Photos

DC Hall

January 9, 2025: 103 Sherman Avenue - Working Fire Old St Mary's High School

Incident # 25-000995
1st alarm assignment 1/9/2025 @ 04:20
Engines 2, 7, 4, Squad 6, Ladders 2, 3, Rescue 2, RAC Unit
Battalions 3, 2 T/C Deputy 4

B3 Arrived on scene to find fire showing out two windows from the second floor. Companies established a water supply and stretched 1 2 1/2-inch hose line and 1 1 3/4-inch hose line into the structure and knocked down the main body of fire. Companies did primary and secondary searches which were negative thru out the structure. Companies overhauled putting out all hot spots. During overhaul companies reported multiple propane tanks thru out the building. Fire was brought under control and secured. While companies were picking up a F/F was injured by falling glass and lacerated lip and chipped tooth.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ Edition - February 2025

Ron Bombaro Photo

Rob Bombaro Photo

BC Charles Gander Jr -- Rob Bombaro Photo

Bill Tompkins Photo

January 25, 2025: Second Alarm Basement Fire 305 East 41st Street
Incident # 25-003064
1st Alarm assignment 1/25/2025 @19:56
Engines 3, 1, 5, Squad 6, Ladder 1, 3, Rescue 2, RAC Unit
Battalions 1, 2
2nd Alarm 1/25/2025 @ 2024
Engines 2, 7 and T/C Deputy 2
Responded to working fire upon arrival smoke coming from all floors. Owner on scene states everyone is out of the building. Companies stretched lines to the basement where they located and extinguished all visible fire. Truck companies vented. All searchers negative. 2nd alarm companies overhauled and checked for extension. PS cut gas and electric to the building and PVWC shut water at the meter. Fire investigator 2 conducted investigation all companies rotated through rehab. DPW salted the street. 1 Firefighter had a leg injury and transported to SJH.

February 16, 2025: 3rd Alarm fire at 64 Washington Street
Incident # 25-005653
1st alarm assignment 2/16/2025 @ 23:41
Engines 4, 2, 7, Squad 6, Ladders 2, 3, Rescue 2, RAC Unit
Battalions 3, 2
2nd Alarm 2/16/2025 @ 0100
Engines 5, 1
3rd Alarm 2/16/2025 @
Engine 3 Ladder 1 and T/C Deputy Car 5

On scene established command and found working fire in a 3 story ordinary commercial building. Car 4 assumed command upon his arrival. Heavy smoke visible on 1st floor butcher shop after hours locked and secured. Fire present in basement and visible on 1st floor with extension to the 2nd floor. Companies performed forcible entry to access the building. 2.5 hoselines stretched for initial fire attack. Master streams put into operation with the use of L1 and L2 aerials in flanking positions. Basement entry was inaccessible. Holes were cut into the floor of the 1st floor to access basement and hoselines were placed into operation in the holes with Bresnan Distributors used for fire suppression. Oradell FD was requested to respond for their high expansion foam operation which was used for fire suppression in the basement as well. All companies rotated through rehab. FRINVU2 conducted investigation. FM 2 on scene for imminent hazard.

At 23:45 on February 16th, Paterson Fire Dispatch was advised by the PD of a fire at 64 Washington St. On arrival of BC-3 he reported heavy smoke showing from a 3 story commercial building. On arrival of Car 4, D/C Cleenput, he reported heavy fire on the 1st floor companies in the process of gaining entry and stretching 2.5" hand lines. Crews were heavily engaged as truck opened up the upper floors and at 00:25 command ordered a 3rd alarm and transitioned to a defensive fight, 2 tower ladders were put into operation along with several hand lines on the exterior as companies attempted to hit the seat of the fire. A special call was made for L-3 to respond to the fire and at 02:12 a request was made to the Oradell Fire Dept to respond with their Hi-Ex foam unit as heavy fire was located in the basement and crews could not enter. Companies continued to operate into the morning and at 08:40 command reported companies still continuing to hit hot spots. An air/cascade unit was special called to the scene and companies rotated to the fire scene through out the day for fire watch and continuing to hit hot spots. No injuries were reported.

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1st Responder News March Edition

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February 23, 2025: 5th Alarm 491 Totowa Avenue

Incident # 25-006362  1st alarm assignment 2/23/2025 @ 1657
Engines 4, 2, 7, Squad 6, Ladders 2, 3, Rescue 2, RAC Unit, Battalions 3, and 2
2nd Alarm 2/23/2025 @ 1700  Engines 5 and 3
3rd Alarm 2/23/2025 @ 1700  Engine 1 and Ladder 1
T/C Deputy 3

Battalion 3 established command, 3 story Type 5 Wood frame structure with a large volume of fire showing on the Delta side, with an immediate exposure concern of the Delta Exposure 2.5 Story Type 5 Wood frame structure. 360 degree survey of the structure showed a large volume of fire on the C side of the main fire building on all floors, as well as the Delta exposure C side on all floors with extension into both attic areas. Initial reports from fleeing occupants were reports of occupants trapped in the main fire building 491 basement. A 2nd alarm was immediately transmitted followed by a 3rd alarm. Embers from the fire building ignited the A side exposure grass area as well as a garbage container. Crews arrived on scene and secured multiple water supplies from Totowa/ Jasper, Totowa/ Kearney, Kearney middle of block, Totowa/ Marion, Totowa/ Ryle. Initial attack lines were stretched into the main fire building 491, as well as the Delta exposure 493 and the A exposure. Crews encountered a large volume of fire on all 3 floors interior of the main fire building as well all 3 floors of the Delta exposure interior. 2.5" exposure protection handlines were stretched and operated on the Delta side of the main fire building as well as on the D1 exposure Bravo side. 2.5" exposure protection lines were also placed in the rear of the main fire building as well as the Bravo side, out of the collapse zone. After several minutes of attempting to gain control of both structures, evacuation tones were sounded and all members evacuated the buildings. Operations transitioned from offensive to defensive, master stream operations were implemented via Tower Ladders and ground master stream devices. PAR was conducted via accountability officer, and all members were accounted for. Primary and secondary searches were conducted and complete with negative results in all 3 structures. PSEG secured gas and electric to all 3 structures, 491, 493 and 495 Totowa Ave. Fire watch was posted throughout the night with crews rotating every 2 hours without incident.

A 5-alarm fire ripped through 3 frame multiple dwellings in Paterson NJ on February 23rd. Companies in the 3rd battalion were dispatched to 489 Totowa Avenue at around 17:00 hours for reports of a building fire. As companies were responding a large column of black smoke was already visible for several miles. On arrival of BC-3, he reported a large 3 story frame heavily involved with extension to exposure D and reports of entrapment, he immediately requested both the 2nd and 3rd alarms. Primary searches were quickly performed and were negative as the fire extended into exposure D-1 and broke through the roof of the original fire building. All members were pulled out of both the main fire building and exposure D as L-1 and L-2 set up their towers and companies transitioned to a defensive attack in those buildings. Crews continued to operate in exposure D-1 with heavy fire in the rear. At 1725 a 4th alarm was transmitted by D/C 3, Chief Ricciardi and a 5th alarm at 18:09 with all companies still heavily engaged. Over 40 residents were left homeless, 1 firefighter suffered minor burns and was transported to the hospital, also an unconfirmed report of a resident with smoke inhalation. The fire was PWH by 19:00 and U/C at just before 22:30 with companies starting to demobilize, command also reported crews would be rotating into the scene through-out the night.

Click on the photos below to enlarge - photographers are Todd Hollritt, Bill Tompkins, Chief Peter Danzo, Ron Bombaro, Jerry Speciale Jr.
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March 2, 2025: 50 East Railway Avenue 3rd alarm
Incident # 25-007187
1st alarm assignment 3/2/2025 @ 2157 Engines 3, 1, 7, Squad 6, Ladders 1, 3, Rescue 2,
RAC Unit. Battalions 1 and 3
2nd Alarm 3/2/2025 @ 2203 Engines 5 and 2
3rd Alarm 3/2/2025 @ 2231 Engine 4 and Ladder 2
T/C Deputy 2

Responded for report of fire. Upon arrival had visible flames coming from the rear of the roof of a 2-story commercial with several business. Occupants self-evacuated from the building. Companies set up master streams for defensive attack due to heavy fire and collapse of the roof in the middle of the building. Companies forced entry to the exposure occupancy's to search and checked for extension. Searches negative throughout. Fire investigator 2 on scene conducted investigation. Buildings involve 46, 48, 50 and 52
Companies rotated through rehab. Ps Gas and electric 22789 on scene secured electric and gas to occupancies involved. Paterson PD 106 on scene.

1st Responder News April Edition

Damien Danis photo

March 5, 2025:

265 North 11th St mutual aide to Prospect Park
Incident # 25-007489 3rd Alarm
3rd alarm assignment 03/14/2025 @ 0615
Engines 4 and 5
Ladder 2
Battalion 2

Companies responded to Prospect Park for a structure fire at 265 North 11th Street in Prospect Park. On scene company established a water supply with 125 feet of 5 in hose, members operated deck gun to darken down exterior fire on the main fire building. Members reported to the IC and were ordered to operate 1 3/4 inch line on the 1st floor of the fire building to locate confine and extinguish all visible fire. Company then performed primary search of the 3rd floor with negative results and started overhaul to expose any hidden fire. Engine 5 picked up with assistance of Ladder 2 and went back into service.

Draw 5-3-2: Mutual Aide to 5 alarm fire in Prospect Park at 265 North 11th Street. Crews arrived to find heavy fire in 2 buildings and a 3rd alarm was quickly transmitted. E5, B2, E4, and L2 Tour 1 were dispatched. E5 got in a good position and operated the deck gun to knock the bulk of the fire. E5 and then stretched a line to the first floor of the main fire building while E4 stretched to the second floor and L2 opened up.

March 14, 2025: 3rd alarm at McBride Avenue and Glover Street

Incident # 25-008427 3rd Alarm
1st alarm assignment 03/14/2025 @ 0615 Engines 7, 2, 4, Squad 6, Ladders 2 and 1
Rescue 2, RAC Unit, Battalions 3,and 1 with T/C Deputy 1
2nd Alarm 3/14/2025 @ 0630 Engine 1 and 3.
3rd Alarm 3/14/2025 @ 0655 Ladder-3 and Engine 5

Arrived on scene to a working structure fire Companies took multiple water supplies and stretched handlines to the rear of the structure to knock down the bulk of the fire and also protect the D exposure. Companies also initially stretched handlines into the exposure D to protect the exposure from the inside as well. Ladder companies set ground ladders to second floor windows to vent and also enter the building. A Mayday was called by Batt 1. Companies responded to the mayday and recovered Batt 1 who fell thru and a deck in the rear of the building. At that time companies went to defensive operations until we had sufficient water and man power to enter the building and put out all fire in the building. Primary and secondary searched were negative thru out. Companies salvaged and overhauled putting out any and all hotspots. Battalion 1 was taken to SJHP in stable condition. 5 occupants were displaced from the apartments on the second floor. The scene was turned over to Tour 2.

1st Responder Newspaper April Edition

Todd Hollritt Photo

BTF Photo

Todd Hollritt Photo

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April 13, 2025: 167 Market Street Tour 4
Incident # 25-011892
1st alarm assignment @ 1834
Engines 4, 7, 1, Squad 6, Ladders 2 and 1, Rescue 2, RAC Unit
Battalions 1and 2 T/C Deputy Car 6
2nd Alarm 04/13/2025 @ 1849 E 2 and 5
3rd Alarm 04/13/2025 @ 1901 L-3 and E-3.
4th & 5th Alarm 04/13/2025 Mutual aid companies.

On scene found 4 story ordinary with smoking coming out of 2nd floor windows called working fire. Car 6 on scene assumed command. Ladder 2 forced entry to both buildings. Operations began in the Main fire building trying to locate the main body of fire with Squad 6 and R-2 in the basement. They were unable to make any head way do to the fact that the basement had maze like condition and Amazon storage boxes throughout. Also, the building was and old bank with the vault and safe deposit boxes still in place and steel gates that could lock behind you in the basement. A second attempt was made down the Bilco doors with Squad 6 and Engine 4 still unable to make any head way and all Co's backed out. Par was conducted and all members were accounted for. All members rotated through rehab. While R 2 attempted to enter the basement from the rear of the building with guide ropes to try and locate the fire a firefighter fell down the stairs hurting his back. He was removed from the building and take to hospital by EMS 4. Firefighter B. Straube was taken to hospital by EMS 4. R2 and Hackensack USAR team then cut holes into the concrete on the 1st floor with the Stanley saw and jack hammer to locate the fire. They made a big enough hole to put a 14' roof ladder down the hole to extinguish all visible fire. All Members rotated through rehab. Co's started to pick up. Command was transfer back over to B1. Scene was placed under control. B1 transferred command to E4 for a fire detail.

E4 main act apparatus feed by E1.
E7 feed sprinkler system Feed by E2
E3 was RIT Team.
L1 roof ventilation

Ron Bombaro photo

1st Responder News (NJ) May Issue - courtesy Bill Tompkins

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April 17, 2025: 8:03 PM 442 East 33rd Street 2nd alarm at 8:15 PM

April 23, 2025: 3rd alarm Railway Avenue

June 18, 2025: 2nd Alarm Tour 3
E5/L3/B2 were alerted for a possible fire in the area of 264 Harrison Street. EMS 5 arrived prior to FD arrival and confirmed a working fire in a 1 story garage on Jelsma Place,
Crews had heavy fire with exposure issues on the B&D side. E5 stretched a 2.5” line to darken down the bulk of the fire quickly while L3 split crews and forced entry and conducted searches in both the B exposure and D exposure. A vent hole was cut from the aerial as the smoke was remaining bottled up in the structure making overhaul difficult. The fire was ultimately extinguished using hydraulic overhaul via the aerial master stream due to the weakened structure and heavy hoarding conditions. A 2nd alarm was transmitted due to the exposure issues but was quickly cancelled after the fire darkened down and there was no significant extension into either exposure.

FF M Poggi with blue hose. FF K. Hunt with saw. At left FF K Hicks

FF T Mckiney

BC Frank Liscio IV

FF K Hunt and T Sanders on ladder cutting the roof. FF T McKinney in foreground and Captain Duffy standing

July 4, 2025: 17 Southard Street 4th alarm at 1706 Hours - Companies were dispatched to a possible fire. On arrival, companies found two 2 1/2 story wood frame buildings with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear and heavy exposures on both sides. A second alarm was sounded quickly as companies went to work and eventually went to a 4th Alarm. Companies were rotated frequently due to the heat and fireground conditions. Multiple families were displaced as both initial buildings were significantly damaged, however no civilians suffered any known significant injuries. Two Paterson firefighters were transported to St. Joseph's Hospital with injuries.

1st responder News - August issue

Drone Views

Comments by Captain Carlos Pagan Jr. of E1, T2 -- Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were dispatched to 150 Park Avenue for a possible fire across the street. Upon arrival, Engine 1 found no immediate fire at Rosa and Park Avenue and relocated to the intersection of Southard and Market Streets.

Engine 1 strategically positioned itself by pulling past 17 Southard Street to maximize Ladder 1’s scrub area. Meanwhile, Ladder 1 navigated significant obstacles, including double-parked vehicles and cars parked too close to the corner of Park Avenue and Carroll Street. This forced them to reroute, taking Straight Street to Market Street, and then approaching Southard Street.
As Engine 1 worked to establish a water supply, Ladder 1 quickly maneuvered its apparatus onto Southard Street, straddling the large diameter hose (LDH) and expertly navigating the tightly parked vehicles. Ladder 1 positioned for tower operations, optimizing its scrub area, and immediately began primary searches and pre-control overhaul within the fire building.
Simultaneously, Engine 1 deployed a 2.5-inch exposure hose line to contain the fire to the two main houses. They then stretched a 1.75-inch interior hose line into the primary fire building, extinguishing flames on multiple floors. This interior line was then repositioned to the third division of Exposure B.

Despite initial containment to the two main structures, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were eventually pulled out due to heavy fire conditions in Exposure B. Ladder 1’s tower was then utilized for defensive operations.

Notably, Battalion Chief Narvaez, formerly with Engine 1, served as the first-due Battalion Chief on scene, getting the chance to fight a fire alongside his old crew…

DC Jose Molina

Eng1ne 1 Ferrara Pumper

Captain Carlos Pagan, David Vantassel, Ronaldo Christmas, Captain Caesar Collazo, Kevin Habrahamshon, Battalion Chief Alejandro Narvaez, Marvin Cruz, Jerry Boucicaut, and Louis Hernandez.

August 8, 2025-August 20: WATER CRISIS statement from PFD - the Fire Department responded to 1,299 total incidents and the Tender Taskforce responded to 26 reported building fires and 5 structure fires throughout the City of Paterson. PFD also opened another company - labeled as Engine 8, which ran out of Headquarters.

Multiple mutual aid companies responded some of which were Forked River FD, Villas (125 miles away in Cape May), Edgewater (Bergen County). Whitesville VFD (Jackson), Mantua Township (Gloucester County), Highlands (Monmouth), Cecil Fire Company (Monroe Township in Middlesex County), Monroe Township FD, West Milford FD (Passaic County), Wanaque FD (Passaic County) and Washington FD (Warren County) mutual aide during low water pressure crisis. Some are pictured below -

Millstone Township Tender 32 from Clarksburg (Monmouth County)

Greenwich Township tender - Warren County

Ron Bombaro Photos

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August 8, 2025: Incident # 25-026194 325 Park Ave Tour 1 2nd alarm

Dispatched 1st alarm Assignment at 1223
Battalion 2 & Battalion 3, Engine 1, Engine 3, Squad 6, & Engine 7, Ladder 1 & Ladder 3
Rescue 2, RAC Unit, Fire Investigator

On confirmation of a working structure fire, Dispatch attached the following Units at 1226
Tour Commander / Deputy Chief 2, EMS 3, Car 9, ALS 704.
Mutual Aid that was present on an emergency standby in the city of Paterson, located at Fire HQ and Temple Street firehouses due to a PVWC 30” Water Main Break: Picatinny Arsenal Tender, West Milford Tender, Hawthorne Draft Engine, & Midland Park Draft Engine

Battalion 2 arrived on scene and established command for a 3-story occupied type 5 residential multi-dwelling with visible fire coming from the 3rd floor Alpha side window. B2 advised companies responding there was a hydrant on the corner of E23st and Park Ave. B3 entered the building to oversee interior Operations Command. B2 struck a 2nd alarm due to water supply issues in the city with a 30” water main break.

Dispatched 2nd alarm Assignment at 1230
Engines 4, Engine 5, Ladder 2, Fire Marshal 5, EMS 4, EMS 1

E5 established secondary water supply to Engine 1, set up RIC crew tool catch, raised ground ladders on B side and C side of the structure. E4 responded on second alarm and was assigned as the RIT. E5 reassigned to the fire floor to assist with pre-control overhaul. A 5 in water supply was provided to E1 by E3 and E5 due to low water pressure in the city due to a water main break. ENGINE 3 positioned at the hydrant and stretched 200' 5 inch line from E1 to E3 LDH discharge and provided E1 with tank water due to water supply issues from water main break.
Deputy Chief 2 assumed Command. R2, L3, & L1 conducted primary searches, completed and negative. R2 shut down Electric, Gas and Water. Engine 1 and Engine 3 advanced two separate 300 foot lengths of 1.75-inch hand lines to Division 3 and contained the fire to the front bedroom. L3 forced bedroom doors on division 3 and ventilated windows. R2 assisted with hose line advancement to 3rd division. Fire was located confined and extinguished all visible fire. B3 remained safety officer on the fire floor. Ladder 1 vertically ventilated the roof. E3 then connected 75' pony length from hydrant into E3. E3 pumped the hydrant and provided a continuous primary water supply for E1. E3 then stretched 200' cross lay with additional 100' from high rise bundle off of E1 to the fire floor as per B2. Squad 6 stretched a backup line of 200ft of 1 3/4 hose from E1 and completed extinguishment with E7 and assisted with overhaul on the fire floor. Secondary searches were completed and negative throughout. R2, L3, & L1 conducted pre and post overhaul, salvage, and made sure all hidden fire was out using their TIC. Fire placed under control. RAC Unit conducted PARs conducted though out with Companies rotated through rehab. PSEG on scene to control utilities.   Fire under investigation. 15 Occupants displace (12 adults and 3 children) and assisted by Red Cross. PD unit 104 on scene to assist with Red Cross. No injuries reported at time of fire.

August 15, 2025: PFD Tender Company 1 - Captain Tom Dyk and FF John Irwin were the initial crew who operated the unit. The Fouts water tender that holds 3000 gallons,
is on loan from the Passaic Valley Water Commission through Firefighter One, LLC. The new response is 1 mutual aid Tender, 1 mutual aid Draft Engine, Paterson Tender 1, Paterson E8, BC 4. This was the new tender task force box response.

At Southside garage

August 8, 2025: 12:23 PM 325 Park Avenue 2nd alarm 12:29 for water supply issues. Water tankers needed due to hydrant failure. 3 story building with fire on third floor
Incident # 25-026194 Tour 1

Dispatched 1st alarm Assignment at 1223 Battalion 2 & Battalion 3
Engine 1, Engine 3, Squad 6, & Engine 7, Ladder 1 & Ladder 3, Rescue 2,
RAC Unit, Fire Investigator

On confirmation of a working structure fire, Dispatch attached the following Units at 1226
Tour Commander / Deputy Chief 2, EMS 3, Car 9, ALS 704
Mutual Aid that was present on an emergency standby in the city of Paterson, located at Fire HQ and Temple Street firehouses due to a PVWC 30” Water Main Break: Picatinny Arsenal Tender, West Milford Tender, Hawthorne Draft Engine, & Midland Park Draft Engine

Dispatched 2nd alarm Assignment at 1230 Engines 4, Engine 5, Ladder 2
Fire Marshal 5 EMS 4 EMS 1

Battalion 2 arrived on scene and established command for a 3-story occupied type 5 residential multi-dwelling with visible fire coming from the 3rd floor Alpha side window. B2 advised companies responding there was a hydrant on the corner of E23st and Park Ave. B3 entered the building to oversee interior Operations Command. B2 struck a 2nd alarm due to water supply issues in the city with a 30” water main break. E5 established secondary water supply to Engine 1, set up RIC crew tool catch, raised ground ladders on B side and C side of the structure. E4 responded on second alarm and was assigned as the RIT. E5 reassigned to the fire floor to assist with pre-control overhaul. A 5in water supply was provided to E1 by E3 and E5 due to low water pressure in the city due to a water main break. ENGINE 3 positioned at the hydrant and stretched 200' 5-inch line from E1 to E3 LDH discharge and provided E1 with tank water due to water supply issues from water main break. Deputy Chief 2 assumed Command. R2, L3, & L1 conducted primary searches, completed and negative. R2 shut down Electric, Gas and Water. Engine 1 and Engine 3 advanced two separate 300ft lengths of 1.75 inch hand lines to Division 3 and contained the fire to the front bedroom. L3 forced bedroom doors on division 3 and ventilated windows. R2 assisted with hose line advancement to 3rd division. Fire was located confined and extinguished all visible fire. B3 remained safety officer on the fire floor. Ladder 1 vertically ventilated the roof. E3 then connected 75' pony length from hydrant into E3. E3 pumped the hydrant and provided a continuous primary water supply for E1. E3 then stretched 200' cross lay with additional 100' from high rise bundle off of E1 to the fire floor as per B2. Squad 6 stretched a backup line of 200ft of 1 3/4 hose from E1 and completed extinguishment with E7 and assisted with overhaul on the fire floor. Secondary searches were completed and negative throughout. R2, L3, & L1 conducted pre and post overhaul, salvage, and made sure all hidden fire was out using their TIC. Fire placed under control. RAC Unit conducted PARs conducted though out with Companies rotated through rehab. PSEG on scene to control utilities. Fire under investigation. 15 Occupants displace (12 adults and 3 children) and assisted by Red Cross. PD unit 104 on scene to assist with Red Cross. No injuries reported at time of fire.

1st Responder News September Issue

DC Cleenput

September 10, 2025: Incident # 25-029987 14 Elm Street Tour 1
3 story apartment building

News 12

RLS Media

Dispatched 1st alarm Assignment at 0337
Battalion 2 & Battalion 3 Engine 2, Engine 4, Squad 6, & Engine 7, Ladder 1 & Ladder 2
Rescue 2, RAC Unit. Fire Investigator

On confirmation of a working structure fire, Dispatch attached the following Units at 0344
Tour Commander  EMS 7 Car 9  ALS 701

Dispatched 2nd alarm Assignment at 0345  Engines 1, Engine 5, EMS 4, EMS 2

Dispatched 3rd alarm Assignment at 0405  Engine 3 Ladder 3 Fire Marshal 2

Companies responded to 14 Elm St. on a reported structure fire. Battalion 3 arrived on scene to find two 3 story wood frame OMD homes with heavy fire conditions in the rear on multiple floors with exposure problem on the B, D, and C sides.

A second alarm was requested by Battalion 3. Companies stretched 2 1/2 inch hose lines to the rear of the homes and knocked down the heavy fire. Companies stretched multiple hand lines into both buildings and extinguished fire on all floors while performing primary and secondary searches. A primary and secondary water supply was taken.

Third alarm was requested for additional manpower. Primary and secondary searches completed with negative results. Extensive overhaul was conducted and all hidden fire was located and extinguished. Fire was placed under control.

The fire damaged number 10, 12, 14, 14 Rear and 16 Elm St. for five structures total. PSEG gas and electric cut utilities to 10, 12, 14 Elm street. 39 occupants from the 3 building were displaced and relocated by Red Cross. One occupant was treated and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital Paterson for smoke inhalation. E-5 and E-4 spare suffered mechanical issues while operating at the fire scene, shop notified.

Fire Investigator on scene for the cause and origin investigation. Fire Marshal 2 also on scene to assist and was unable to reach a owner of the buildings. DPW was requested to board up buildings. Fire marshal 2 awaited for DPW. Companies on scene picked up and command was terminated.

September 13, 2025: 1139 hrs - Inc# 25-30351 Companies responded to 198 Putnam on a trailer fire. E5 filled out the box. This was a 25 by 12-foot industrial chemical filtration system that was burning. Hazmat precaution was taken. Evacuated all personnel and issued a shelter in place for all residents within 2,000-meter radius. Defensive operation with multiple large caliber hand lines and elevated master stream. County Hazmat, DEP and County UASI Hazmat responded. Initial meter readings were showing positive results of VOC’s. All members operating in the hot and warm zone were working on AIR. A decontamination site was also set up in the cold zone. Companies used an excavator to gain access to the unit and extensive overhauled was performed. All members and equipment were decontaminated and command was terminated.

September 13, 2025: 286 Wabash Avenue 2nd alarm @1317 Hours Incident # 25-30363

Companies responded to 286 Wabash Ave for a possible fire. Squad 6 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire in a 1 1/2 story type 5 with the alpha side fully involved. S6 stretched 2 1/2" to the A side. Knocked down large volume of fire. Initial report of a possible person trapped. Batt. 1 assumed command from Squad 6. Battalion 1 called the 2nd alarm since there was also a large Hazmat Incident ongoing.

Primary searches proved negative and all occupants accounted for shortly after. Water supply established by both SQ6 and Engine 7. Engine 1 was the RIC team. Numerous 2.5 inch hand lines were used to knock down heavy fire from exterior. Secondary searches on all floors and basement were negative. Numerous 1 3/4 hand lines advanced into interior to extinguish remaining fire. Stairs from first to second floors were compromised so companies used a ground ladder in the rear to access the second floor. All areas were overhauled and checked with thermal imaging camera. PS gas and electric on scene.

There was a live power line down on the Alpha/Delta corner. Battalion 1 evacuated the building to go defensive. Companies advised and the area was roped off. Gas was shut off at the meter, electric at the pole. Fire Investigator completed the origin and cause investigation. Owner on scene. Red Cross on scene assisting 3 people displaced with 1 getting transported to SJP. One firefighter transported to SJP. Command terminated.

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Bill Tompkins photo

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September 22, 2025: 265 Park Avenue 2nd alarm

@0623 hours #25-31383 – 263 Hamilton – Batt. 3 on scene and found 2 1/2 story type 5 vacant home showing smoke on all floors. Companies began opening up the boarded-up structure and stretched multiple hand lines to locate and confine the fire in basement and check for extension on the floors above. Companies on scene reported fire in the basement extending to upper floors. Companies also stretched 2 1/2 hose line to protect exposures from the exterior. Companies performed primary and secondary searches and found 2 large dogs on the second floor and were quickly removed from the building. Companies also reported hoarder like conditions inside the home and also in the rear yard.

A 2nd alarm was called for man power. Deputy 3 arrived on scene and took command and Batt. 3 assumed interior operations. RIC team established w/E6 and rotated throughout. Hose line streaking was delayed due to the hoarding and a blocked basement stairwell. Four attack lines and two exposure lines stretched and operating. Companies extinguished the main body of fire and begin major overhaul operation.

All companies rehabbed and returned to fire operations and/or returned to service. All fire extinguished, primary and secondary searches were negative, PAR’s conducted throughout Operation. Command terminated.

Rescue 2 Tour 1 Members FFs Juan Sanchez, Peter Ochoa & John Jones - Bombaro photo

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October 14, 2025: 137 Redwood Avenue - 2nd alarm @0715 hours - Incident 25-33852 – Batt. 3 arrived on location and established command and investigated with a 2 Story Type 5 residential duplex, wood frame construction. Upon arrival, visible smoke was observed coming from the roof and fire showing on 1st floor bravo side of the structure. Batt. 3 had an immediate exposure concern on the bravo side with a similar 2 Story Type 5 duplex and reports of someone trapped in the basement of the main fire building. Companies secured primary and secondary water supplies, 2.5" hand line was stretched to the bravo side to protect the immediate exposure concern as well as a 1 3/4" hand line stretched to the 1st floor interior of the main fire building.

2nd alarm ordered for manpower and exposure issues. Companies entered the structure to LCE all visible fire, pre and post control overhaul was conducted and completed. Primary searches were conducted and negative. The initial report of the missing person in the basement was negative, the female had exited the structure prior to FD arrival. The bravo side exposure was checked with TIC, negative on fire extension throughout the entire structure. Bravo exposure had visible damage to the exterior siding.

Deputy 3 arrived on scene and assumed command. 3 additional attack lines stretched, roof vented. Fire knocked down, secondary searches completed and negative except for a dog found deceased in 1st flr kitchen. Co’s overhauling, no further extension, Fire Investigator on scene for origin and cause investigation. Command transferred to Dep. 4. All displaced occupants relocated via Red Cross. All remaining companies picked up. Building turned over to PD and Fire Marshall to await arrival of DPW for securing the structure. Command Terminated.

CLICK HERE for News Report

From North Jersey News - A dog was killed and several people were displaced after a fire broke out at a home in Paterson on the morning of Oct. 14, officials said. The fire at 125 Redwood Ave. was reported shortly after 7 a.m., Deputy Chief Michael Cleenput told reporters on the scene. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor of the 2 1/2-story duplex. The fire had also spread to the second floor, the roof and the adjacent building, Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea said in a news release. While no human injuries were reported, a dog was found dead in the first-floor kitchen, according to Alicea.

About a dozen people were displaced between 125 and 127 Redwood Ave., Cleenput said. The residence at 123 Redwood was also impacted, he added, displacing four people. The two-alarm fire was brought under control in about an hour, according to Cleenput. Seven engines and three ladder trucks responded to the scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

"The Paterson Fire Department commends the swift and coordinated efforts of its firefighters in containing this dangerous fire and ensuring no human lives were lost," Alicea said. "Residents are reminded to maintain working smoke alarms and have an evacuation plan in place."

October 25, 2025: @1346 hours - Incident # 25-35114 - 366 15th Ave working fire on the “D” side second floor that was extending to the top floor of an occupied 2 ½ story residential wood frame structure. Moderate smoke was visible on the 2nd & top floors. No exterior exposure problems. Three hand lines were stretched, and the fire was fully extinguished. All searches were negative. PSE&G cut the electric & gas to the building. Investigator on scene for cause & origin. No injuries were reported and all members were accounted for. The building was turned over to the owner on scene. Ten occupants were displaced & relocated by Red Cross. Command terminated.

October 31, 2025: @ 2150 hours - Incident #25-35842 Companies responded to 15 Emerson Avenue on a reported structure fire with occupants trapped. Arrived on scene to find a 2-story type 5 home with heavy fire in the first and second floor C/B corner, and occupants outside screaming that a family was still inside on the second floor. Engine 2 began to stretch a line and establish a water supply while trying to get ground ladders to the second-floor rear windows. Batt. 3 established command until Deputy 1 arrived on scene and then Batt 3 was reassigned as interior operations Chief. Companies stretched lines to the first and second floor and started primary searches that turned out positive for 5 deceased victims on the second floor in the rear apartment. Companies continued secondary searches, overhaul and salvage to find and extinguish any hot spots. Two adults and three children were located in a second-floor apartment deceased. Seven other occupants were displaced by Red Cross. Utilities were shut down by PSEG. Personnel were accounted for and rotated through rehab. A Captain and a firefighter were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Fire Investigators conducted the origin and cause investigation along with Passaic County Prosecutors, Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and Passaic County Medical Examiner's Office. Command terminated.

CLICK HERE FOR RLS Media story

From News 12 New Jersey: Five people were killed in a house fire in Paterson Friday night, the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office says. The two-alarm fire happened at a home on Emerson Avenue at 9:50 p.m. "I ran and banged on their first-floor door and was like, 'there's smoke outside in your backyard...your whole backyard is on fire,'" neighbor Fatima Ali said, describing the incident.
Officials say a 39-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman and three children ages 14, 12 and 7 all died at the scene. Their identities had not been released as of Saturday night. Neighbors and elected officials said they were a family. "You have three children who woke up yesterday thinking about Halloween, trick-or-treating, and unfortunately, this is how their life ends, in tragic fashion. People will read or see that there were five fatalities, but it was a family of five," Paterson Mayor Andre Sayeh said.

Two firefighters were also hospitalized following the blaze, according to prosecutors.
"I just saw smoke pouring out of all of the windows, very dark, black smoke. From that point, the fireman tried to get on the roof and start extracting the people who were in there," neighbor Christopher Borowic said. Neighbors said the fire started in the backyard of the home. They said there were 12 people in the house at the time – seven on the first floor and the five victims on the second floor. "The mom, her husband ran to the back to see if he could help, but no one was able to go up the stairs because the stairs is what caught on fire fast, and that's their only entrance and exit," Ali said. The Red Cross was assisting the displaced as of Saturday night. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear." The wind exacerbated the situation. It was a fast-moving fire. It was wind-driven. So that compounded the situation," Sayeh said.
He told News 12 the victims, especially the father, were prominent members of Palestinian community

RLS Media

Aftermath - Gabriella Dragone photo

Medical Examiners

November 3, 2025: 166 North Main Street Second Alarm

Bombaro photo

DC Cleenput (left) and Macones (right) - Bombaro photo

November 3, 2025: @0635 hours - Incident. #25-36106. 209 Harrison Street. Working Fire. Room and contents fire located in a 1st floor rear apartment. Engine 5 operated a 1 ¾” hand-line 2 and extinguished all fire. The fire was contained to the room of origin. All searches negative. Ladder companies naturally ventilated the building. Fire Investigator conducted cause and origin investigation. All companies picked up and returned. Building turned over to owner, command terminated.

November 3, 2025: at 2158 hours - Incident #25-36198. 166 North Main St. Working Fire / 2nd Alarm. Heavy fire conditions on the 2nd floor and attic area of a 2 ½ story woof frame occupied multiple dwelling. Fire was also venting out of the “B” side impinging on the neighboring structure (168 N. Main St.). Battalion 3 established command and requested a 2nd alarm.

Engine 4 stretched and operated a 1 ¾” hand line on the exterior to push back the fire and then transitioned to an interior attack from the rear entrance. Engine 5 established primary water supply and then stretch and operated a 2 1/2” exposure line between the main fire building and “B” exposure. Ladder 2 and 3 conducted primary searches of the main fire building and exposure. Rescue assisted with extinguishment and pre-control overhaul. An additional 1 ¾” hand-line was operated by Engine 1 to back up Engine 4. Engine 7 was the initial RIC and was replaced by Engine 2. Squad 6 and Engine 7 vented the roof and placed ground ladders for additional egress. All companies rotated through rehab. Fire was fully extinguished and overhauled. Companies picked up and returned. Management company on scene to board up and secure the building. Fire Investigators conducted cause and origin investigation. Public Service gas and electric secured the utilities. 7 adults and 2 children relocated by Red Cross. All companies available, command terminated.

November 4, 2025: @0923 hours - Incident #25-36246 -Companies responded to 276 Carroll St. on a reported structure fire. Working fire located on the third floor of a 2 ½ story wood frame OMD. Primary and secondary searches proved negative. Utilities to the structure were shut down, Paterson Police assisted with the relocation of 8 adults and four minors via the Red Cross. All members accounted for and rehabbed. Fire Investigator on scene for the cause and origin investigation. Command terminated.

November 10, 2025: 144 Liberty Street @1549 hours - Incident #25-36973 - Working Fire at a 3-story type 5 residential structure. Upon arrival heavy smoke and fire showing from the 2nd floor Bravo side of the structure, with extension into the Bravo exposure. L3 was requested as the 2nd due truck on the initial alarm. E-2 secured primary water supply from the hydrant located at the corner of Liberty Street and Preakness Avenue and stretched a 1 3/4" attack line to the seat of the fire on to locate confine and extinguish all fire. Company members stretched and operated 3 lines into the main fire building as well as 2 lines stretched and operated in the Bravo exposure. A 2.5" attack line was placed and operated in the alleyway of the main fire building and Bravo exposure. Company members conducted primary and secondary searches throughout the main fire building and bravo exposure with negative results throughout.

Post control overhaul was conducted and completed on the main fire building and bravo exposure to ensure complete extinguishment utilizing TIC. Gas, electric and water were secured to the interior of both structures as well as exterior gas and electric. Fire Investigator conducted and completed an origin and cause investigation. Red Cross on scene for relocation of displaced occupants. Owners of both structures arrived on scene to assume responsibility. Entire structure checked with TIC prior to terminating command. Command terminated.

Brian Murphy photo

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November 28, 2025: @ 0852 hours - Incident. #25-38372 at 291 Presidential Boulevard. Working Fire. 2.5 story wood-frame occupied residential structure. The fire was located in the 2nd floor rear enclosed stairwell, extending into the kitchen and attic area. Battalion 2 on scene and established command. Engine 4 stretched and operated a 1 3/4” hand line. Engine 5 established a primary water supply. Ladder 2 opened up the roof area above the fire where it was venting out the B/C corner. All searched negative. No exposure issues. Utilities secure by Ladder 3 and Rescue 2. PSE&G secure electric and gas. Building owner on scene advised. 8 tenants relocated by Red Cross. 2nd floor tenant transported to SJP with injuries.

November 29, 2025: @1001 hours Inc. # 39031 Activated Alarm for 93 Harrison St. While in route Battalion 3 saw a column of smoke and transmitted the working fire. Battalion 1 assigned to Operations, Engine 7 was the RIT and Battalion 3 was the safety Officer. Initial search found a smoke condition on division 2 of a 4-story mill construction type 4 building. Companies advanced a 2.5 hose using a rope stretch and continued to extinguish a contents fire. Sprinklers held the fire until companies fully extinguished all fire. Companies ventilated the area using open windows, fans and overhauled the debris pile for complete extinguishment. All searches proved negative. Building owner on scene. Fire investigator on scene for cause and origin. Pars/Rehab conducted for all members. Property turned over to owner on scene. No injuries reported, command terminated by Battalion 3.

December 1, 2025: @1243 hours - Incident #25-39252 - Companies responded to 568 East 26th Street. on a reported structure fire. Working fire in the first-floor kitchen with extension into the walls of a 2 ½ story wood frame OMD. Primary and secondary searches proved negative. No injuries reported. CFI 4 on scene for the cause and origin investigation.

December 7, 2025: Fire was in former St Mary's Convent which is connected to the old grammar school by a breezeway on the third floor. The high school is a separate building fronting on Sherman Avenue.

@1933 hours - Incident #25-39920 196 Wayne Ave Working Fire Third Alarm. Upon arrival units found heavy fire on the 3rd floor and roof of a 3-story type 3 ordinary constructed vacant school. Engine 2 established a primary water supply and stretched a 2.5-inch line to the exterior while Ladder 2 forced entry through the front door. The building was heavily secured. Engine 2 darkened down the fire on the 3rd floor then broke down their line to a 1 3/4” line. They made entry through the rear of the structure. There were 2 separate areas of fire all in the cockloft of the structure. Ladder's 2 and 3 set up for aerial operations. Primary and secondary searches complete and negative. All visible fire knocked down. Companies rotated through rehab. Utilities were secured from a previous fire. Investigator 2 conducted an origin and cause investigation. DPW called in to secure the structure. No injuries reported.

Ron Bombaro photos

L3 and B2 Tour 2 were requested in the initial assignment for a reported fire in the area of Wayne Ave and James Street. Car 2 arrived on scene and confirmed the working fire with heavy fire on the top floor and attic of the abandoned St Mary’s school property. A 2nd alarm was quickly transmitted brining E5 to the scene. L3 conducted forcible entry, pre and post control overhaul, and set the stick up to master stream ops while E5 assisted with suppression and water supply. The fire ultimately went to 3 alarms

December 30, 2025: MVA with entrapment

Fire News.com

2026

January 2, 2026: 2nd Alarm at 256 Pacific Street - Working Fire In a 2 1/2 Story Wood Frame, fire on the second floor, extension into the exposure D building.

Hollritt photo

Firenews.com March 2026

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January 5, 2026: 885-887 Broadway Barbour Mansion

Ladder 3 - PAD photo

From TAp Into Paterson website: CLICK HERE or read below

January 5, 2026: Tour 3 2nd Alarm 2014 hours - Incident # 26-00523
869 Broadway (Prior Nuns Convent), working fire in a large vacant 2-story wood frame. On arrival, Batt. 2 called for a second alarm due to water issues and heavy fire venting out of windows on division 2 from the bravo and charlie sides as well as through roof. Multiple master streams operated to darken down the fire. Deputy 3 on scene took command. Companies transitioned to an interior attack with (4) 1¾ attack lines and conducted primary searches, negative. Batt. 1 assigned to oversee interior operations, directed companies in extinguishment and overhaul. All visible fire extinguished and secondary searches conducted and negative. Batt. 2 assumed command from Deputy 3. Overhaul completed. Fire Marshall, City Building Inspector on scene. Fire Investigator 3 conducted origin and cause investigation. Companies rotated through rehab, picked up and returned. Command terminated.

DRAW 5-3-2 report: A second-alarm fire tore through the vacant Barbour Mansion on East 39th Street on Monday night, prompting a large emergency response and an aggressive firefighting operation, officials said. According to a statement, firefighters were dispatched shortly after 8 p.m. to 81 E. 39th St. following multiple calls reporting a building fire. Engine 5, Ladder 3 and Battalion 2 responded as part of the initial assignment during Tour 3.

Upon arrival, Battalion 2 confirmed heavy fire conditions on the second floor of the historic but unoccupied structure, with flames extending to the roof. A second alarm was transmitted shortly thereafter to bring in additional resources.

Due to the building’s significant setback from the street, Ladder 3 was positioned in a driveway to gain access. Fire crews initially conducted an aggressive interior attack but were later pulled out as conditions deteriorated. Firefighters then switched to a defensive strategy, using master streams to knock down the bulk of the fire. Once the flames were darkened down, crews re-entered the structure to complete final extinguishment, officials said.

The Barbour Mansion, also known as the Barbour Estate, was built in 1909 by John Edwards Barbour, a prominent figure in Paterson’s textile industry. The Beaux-Arts–style residence features dozens of rooms and ornate architectural details. Over the years, it served as an orphanage and later portions of the grounds were repurposed for schools, including the former Paterson Catholic Regional High School. In recent years, the mansion had remained long vacant and was listed for sale with redevelopment potential, including possible institutional or community use, before sustaining significant fire damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately available.

1st responder Newspaper - NJ Edition - March 2026

Fire News.com

Drone View -- From the DRAW 5_3_2

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January 22, 2026: 9:15 AM - working dumpster fire on Getty Avenue

1st Responder Newspaper March NJ Edition

January 25, 2026: Snow and Ice Storm hits Paterson

North Jersey News

January 29, 2026: Tour 3 2nd Alarm 1819 hrs. Incident # 26-003172
Initially dispatched to 911 Madison Ave for a possible fire, nothing found. Dispatch updated address to 34 1st Ave from multiple calls for smoke in the area. Battalion 3 arrived on location with a 1 story type 3 commercial auto shop, heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of the structure. Working fire transmitted, established command and operated with the first arriving companies. Companies found a fully involved vehicle fire inside of a make-shift car paint booth that had a wooden roof structure above it and a car port type structure in front and was attached behind an automotive repair shop. Bad weather and road conditions delayed apparatus responses. DPW called for salt & sand. Companies had to force entry to the auto shop to extinguish the fire. Four 2 ½ attack lines were stretched and operated. A 2nd alarm was called for manpower and due to below freezing temperatures. Battalion 2 was assigned as a Safety Officer and Battalion 1 operated with companies on the C Side. The fire was fully extinguished and all primary and secondary searches were negative. Overhaul was conducted and completed with TIC. The fire Investigator conducted an origin and cause investigation. All members were accounted and rotated through rehab. PD on scene. Owner on scene to assume responsibility of the building, command terminated.

January 31, 2026: 71 Totowa Avenue - 2nd alarm

1/31/2026 Tour 1 2nd Alarm 2100 hours Incident # 26-003432
Companies responded to 71 Totowa Avenue on a reported structure fire. Heavy fire conditions on all floors of a 2 ½ story wood frame. Battalion 1 was assigned interior operations and Battalion 2 was assigned the Safety Officer. Primary searches completed and proved negative. Engine 1 was assigned as the RIC crew. Companies made an interior attack on the first and second floors. After several attempts to extinguish the fire via an interior attack, companies were ordered out of the structure due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and the lack of water supply due to multiple frozen hydrants. 2nd Alarm was ordered due to heavy fire throughout the entire structure and frozen hydrants. Car 3 assigned to Water supply officer and worked with multiple companies to obtain water due to numerous frozen hydrants. Battalion 2 Safety Officer maintained collapse zone due to the heavy fire inside structure. Assisted Command with line placement, Rehab of members. Companies assumed a defensive attack. Exposure Bravo and Delta were protected with 2.5 hand lines. Numerous 2.5-inch hand lines and 1.75- inch hand lines were used to extinguish all visible fire. Ladder 2 master stream was utilized to extinguish fire on the third floor and attic. Companies transitioned back to and interior attack to extinguish the fire. Secondary searches were completed and negative on all floors. All floors and areas were checked with thermal imaging for extension which was negative. Pre and post control overhaul was performed. Several Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR’s) were completed as tactics changed and during the incident. Personnel were rotated through rehab due to single digit temperatures, and a warming tent was established in rehab. An active gas leak in the basement was discovered but no access to the meter. PSE&G was on scene to excavate the roadway to shut down the gas as well the electric was cut at the pole. Engine companies had numerous lengths of large diameter hose (LDH) and attack lines frozen while on scene. No damage to the exposures of similar construction and no injuries reported. The two occupants relocated on their own. DPW requested for an extensive icing condition on the roadways. Passaic Valley Water was on scene to address the hydrant issues. The structure was turned over to Paterson Police, command terminated.

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February 2, 2026: 155 Sheridan Avenue

February 2, 2026: 86 Main Street

Tour 3 2nd Alarm 1849 hours Incident # 26-003662
Companies dispatched for a possible fire at 86 Main Street. On arrival Battalion 3 had a 3-story type 3 ordinary mixed use vacant structure with smoke and fire showing from the 2nd and 3rd floors, working fire transmitted. Primary and secondary water supplies established. Engine 4 stretched an attack line to the rear of the structure up to the 2nd floor. 2nd alarm transmitted. Batt. 1 assigned as Interior Operations on 2nd floor. Additional attack lines were stretched as backup lines to Engine 4 on the second floor as well as to the floor above. All fire was extinguished and entire structure overhauled and checked with Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC). Primary and secondary searches complete and negative. Fire Investigator 3 conducted and completed his investigation. Owner was on scene to assume responsibility of the structure. PSEG secured gas and electric to the building. Command terminated.

Ron Bombaro photo

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February 7, 2026: 272 Union Avenue 3rd alarm - frozen hydrants Tour 4 fire

1st Responder News NJ Addition - April

Tour 4 3rd Alarm 1355 hours Incident # 26-004199
Companies responded to 272 Union Avenue for a working fire. Upon arrival heavy fire conditions were observed in the rear of a 2 ½ wood frame ordinary masonry building (OMD) extending into the structure and a neighboring house (203 Preakness Ave. / 2 ½ story wood OMD). Due to the heavy fire conditions with exposure issues a 2nd alarm was transmitted. Engine 2 along with Car 9 assisted residents from the main fire building while stretching a 1 ¾” hand line into the structure. Several hydrants were frozen and Engine 2 was instructed to operate on tank water. Because water supply was an issue and heavy fire conditions continued, a 3rd alarm was transmitted. Engine 7 and Ladder 2 were assigned to operate at 203 Preakness Avenue. and extinguished the fire at that location. Numerous hand lines were stretched and operated in the main fire building and on the exterior. Engine 4, Squad 6 and the 2nd alarm companies were able to secure positive water sources and supply the attack companies. Ladder companies conducted searches of 272 and 270 Union Ave. and 203 Preakness Ave. with negative results. Ladder 1 conducted vertical ventilation of the main fire building and assisted with pre-control overhaul. PSE&G gas/electric, DPW salt truck and PVWC were all requested to the scene. Due to wind driven fire conditions companies were advised to coordinate ventilation and fire attack in a cautious manner. Companies rotated through rehab. All occupants were temporarily relocated to a nearby business to protect them from the elements. Red Cross and Paterson PD assisted and relocated 15 displaced occupants. Fire Investigator 4 conducted origin and cause investigation. Building representative on scene and advised. Severe icing conditions existed and were partially mitigated with rock salt and the use of a propane torch. No injuries were reported by occupants or firefighters. SQ 6A was brought to the scene to assisted with bringing frozen hose back to different firehouses to be thawed or replaced. Building turned over to representative.

1st Responder News NJ Addition - April

BTF Photo

Hydrant Hookup - Victor Scriven photo

Command Center - Note propane torch used to thaw hydrants - Victor Scriven photo

E1 using Pierce spare pumper - Victor Scriven photo

BTF Fire Photos - for more CLICK HERE

March 1, 2026: 3 alarm fire at apartment building at 303 Getty Ave and Thomas Street. An overnight fire displaced 24 residents from two buildings and sent a firefighter to the hospital in Paterson. The fire erupted on the second floor of a three‑story wood‑frame apartment building at the corner of Getty Avenue and Thomas Street.

The blaze escalated to a third alarm as crews worked to contain heavy flames that spread through six apartments. Falling debris struck a Paterson firefighter during the response. The firefighter was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center for treatment of a concussion and has since been released, according to fire officials. The main building is a total loss, and an imminent hazard notice was issued. A structure immediately to the right suffered water damage, displacing four additional residents.

Tour 2 3rd Alarm 2331 hours Incident # 26-006809
Battalion 1 on scene at 303-305 Getty Ave., working fire on arrival, 3 story duplex type 5 wood frame occupied residential building. Heavy fire on the 2nd & 3rd floors and rear roof upon arrival. Offensive attack initially then conditions deteriorated, ordered all companies to evacuate the building, and transitioned to defensive operations. 2nd Alarm transmitted. FF injured from falling debris during the initial interior attack and was transported to SJP. Battalion 1 transferred Command to Deputy 2. Battalion 3 assigned as safety officer, monitored the structure for collapse hazard and safe operations. Engine 7 assigned as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Team. Primary and secondary water supplies established. Three Ladder Pipes were in operation along with multiple hand lines to protect exposure buildings. During operations B side roof collapsed on to cars on B side starting car fires. 3rd Alarm Transmitted. Car fire was extinguished. Companies operated for several hours. Fire was brought under control. The fire was contained to the building of origin. All searches were negative, 20 occupants were displaced from the fire building. The “Delta” exposure (307 Getty) suffered melted siding & only water damage to the interior of the building. Four occupants were displaced from that building. PSE&G controlled the Utilities. PVWC called to shut the water. Companies relieved at the scene from tour 2 to tour 3 due to shift change during fire operations. Companies located a hotspots, overhauled and extinguished all fire. Companies conducted secondary search wit TIC and located no victims or further hotspots. Construction Official and Fire official on scene and deemed the building unsafe and needed to be demolished. DPW salted roadway. Electric, Gas and Water cut to the building and building turned over to Owner. Command Terminated

CLICK HERE for more info

March 2, 2026: Tour 2 192 Berkshire at 0150 hours. Incident # 26-006810
This incident occurred during 3rd Alarm at 303 Getty Avenue

Dispatched on a report of a suspect that stabbed numerous victims, barricaded themselves in their home, and set house on fire at 192 Berkshire Avenue. Due to a 3rd alarm fire at Getty Ave same the same time, mutual aid covered this fire. Totowa Chief was the Incident commander with West Paterson Engine, Haledon Engine, Totowa Engine, Hawthorne Ladder. On arrival companies had a working fire in the basement and 1st floor of a 1½ story wood frame. Several victims self-evacuated from the house with stab wounds from suspect with reports of a barricaded subject in the basement.

West Paterson Pumper (covering Mutual Aid) at scene

Numerous Paterson Police Units on scene. Paterson Car 6 arrived and assumed command. Paterson PD reports no contact from suspect and odor of gas. Suspect may have fled the scene. A 1¾ -line was stretched to basement to locate confine and extinguish all fire and the secure gas. West Paterson reports fire knocked down in the basement and reporting suspect\victim unresponsive in the basement with no sign of any weapons. Members started to assist with removal when suspect\ victim awoke and became agitated. Order to evacuate the structure was sounded and all mutual aid fire company members removed to a safe location and a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) was conducted. All Fire Department units staged in a defensive posture and assisted Paterson PD with logistics. All fire was knocked down on the initially entry. Paterson PD conducted negotiations throughout the night. Mutual Aid units were released, and Paterson Engines rotated the scene. At approximately 0630 hrs. the suspect came out of the house and was placed in custody and transported to St. Jospeh's Paterson. Paterson PD secured the house and secondary searches were conducted and were negative. Engine 2 completed post control overhaul. The fire investigator completed the origin and cause investigation. PSE&G Gas & Electric was secured during the initial stages of the incident. EMS 2 & 5 on scene, Field Com on scene, Battalion 5, Car 3, ALS 701 on scene. Fire placed under control at 0720 hrs. and command was transferred to Batt. 3. Battalion 3 assumed command ensured all fire was extinguished and overhauled. Fire investigation was completed, coordinated with PD to ensure Red Cross was on scene for displaced occupants. Fire Department operations complete, command terminated.

March 4, 2026: 3rd alarm on Madison Avenue -- Multiple firefighters from Paterson and surrounding towns worked to bring a large residential fire under control in the city. The fire broke out at about 10:30 a.m. on Madison Avenue and quickly spread through two structures, engulfing multiple floors. One person who lived in the building is unaccounted for, but the rest of the residents were evacuated from the structure. Multiple streets in the area are blocked off as mutual aid crews respond.

Tour 1 3rd Alarm 1037 hours Incident # 26-007069
Companies dispatched to 798 Madison Ave. on a reported structure fire. Battalion 2 arrived on scene and established command for two 3 story occupied type 5 residential dwellings with heavy fire conditions between 798 and 796 Madison Avenue and with extension into both structures on all divisions. Transmitted the 2nd alarm immediately on arrival. Engine 1 secured a water source and positioned the apparatus on Madison Avenue and then advanced a 1.75- inch hand line to 798 and a 2.5-inch hand line between 798 and 796. During the initial offensive attack, a Fire Captain was injured with burns, was treated and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital Paterson, and was later transported to St. Barnabas Burn Center. Ladder 1 used aerial to VES (Vent-Enter-Search) 3rd floor A side of 796 due to a report of entrapment. Ladder 2 (17th Avenue) began primary searches of 798. Engine 5 (17th Ave.) secured a water source and fed Ladder 2 and advance multiple hand lines into structure. Battalion1 assumed interior operations in 796 and 798. Battalion 3 assisted with operations and assigned as safety officer on scene. Battalion 2 transferred Command to Tour Commander Deputy 1. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions all companies were ordered out of the structures to switch to a defensive attack, PAR conducted, and 3rd alarm requested. Multiple large caliber hand lines as well as two elevated master streams were put into operation. During defensive operations the roof of 798 collapsed into the 3rd floor and a then a collapse of the 2nd floor into 1st floor occurred. Battalion 2 was assigned to 796 division 3 to extinguish all visible fire. Unable to get deep seated fire in 798 due to the collapse in the rear. Owner arrived on scene and advised that there may be a missing person on division 1 in the rear of 798. Shut down all streams and attempted entry into the structure for another search. Unable to get to C side of division 1 for a search due to multiple collapses inside the structure. Owner was unable to confirm the location of the missing person. Fire operation restarted and continued. Missing person found to be with family in NY. A Firefighter was injured and was also treated and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital Paterson. Primary and secondary searches were completed and proved negative in number 796. A primary search of number 798 was unable to be completed due to an interior collapse of the upper floors onto the first. Several attempts to conduct additional searches of number 798 later in the incident were unsuccessful due to the instability of the structure. Fire Investigator 1 conducted the cause and origin investigation. Companies rotated through rehab during the incident and several PARS were conducted to maintain accountability. It was determined that both structures were deemed an imminent hazard and the Building Department Official on scene ordered both buildings to be demolished to allow access to pockets of deep- seated fire. Demo crews arrived on scene approximately 2100 hrs. and began demo. Overtime personnel were called in to staff a ladder and engine company for fire watch during the demolition. Structure was taken down and all fire was extinguished in both structures. A total of 30 occupants were displaced; Red Cross was on scene to assist with the relocation of the occupants. Fire placed under control and Command was terminated.

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March 10, 2026: 279 Sassafras Street - just before 11pm, E5/L3/B2 T3 were dispatched to the dead end of Sassafras Street off East 15th Street for a reported house fire. Batt 2 arrived, confirmed a working fire with heavy fire in the rear extending up to the 2nd floor and attic. A 2nd alarm was quickly transmitted. E5 Stretched through the front door and pushed the fire out the back with an interior attack while L3 searched, took the roof, and opened up.

April 2, 2026: 28 Piercy Street 5th alarm

Tour 3 5th Alarm at 2326 hours
Incident # 26-010348

Multiple calls received for a possible fire in the area of North Straight Street and Presidential Boulevard. Companies were dispatched to Holsman Street & Haledon Avenue. On arrival, Battalion 3 found a very large (approximately 200 x 300 foot in size), 1-story Type 4, abandoned chemical factory, with severe exposure problems, heavily involved with fire. B3 rapidly called for a 2nd and 3rd alarm. Defensive operations put into place and a collapse zone established.

The incident quickly went to three alarms, and eventually to additional alarms due to water supply issues in the area.

Bryan Boru Photo

BTF Photo

PAD Photo

Chief Alicea - Bryan Boru Photo

DC Cleenput and Squad 6 Captain Dominic Briganti

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