Todd Hollritt photo
2025
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 on the D side. 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.
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 on the D side. 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
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DC Hall
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DC Hall
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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 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
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Rob Bombaro Photo
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Rob Bombaro Photo
Rob Bombaro Photo
Rob Bombaro Photo
BC Charles Gander Jr -- Rob Bombaro Photo
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Bill Tompkins Photo
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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.
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.
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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Ladder 3 BTF Photo
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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.
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.
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Click on the photos below to enlarge - photographers are Todd Hollritt, Bill Tompkins, Chief Peter Danzo, Ron Bombaro, Jerry Speciale Jr.
Visit PTF HERE or PAD HERE
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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.
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
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1st Responder News April Edition
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Damien Danis photo
Damien Danis photo
Damien Danis photo
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Damien Danis photo
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Damien Danis photo
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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.
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.
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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 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
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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
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
Click Photos below to enlarge BTF photos - Fore more CLICK HERE
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.
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
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BC Frank Liscio IV
FF K Hunt and T Sanders on ladder cutting the roof. FF T McKinney in foreground and Captain Duffy standing
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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…
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
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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.
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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)
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Greenwich Township tender - Warren County
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Ron Bombaro Photos
Click images below to enlarge
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.
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.
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At Southside garage
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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.
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
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DC Cleenput
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September 10, 2025: 12-16 Elm Street 3rd Alarm 3 story apartment building
CLICK HERE for details
News 12
RLS Media
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RLS Media
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September 13, 2025: 286 Wabash Avenue 2nd alarm
For more photos CLICK HERE
Bill Tompkins photo
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Click these Bill Tompkins photos to enlarge
September 22, 2025: 265 Park Avenue 2nd alarm
Rescue 2 Tour 1 Members FFs Juan Sanchez, Peter Ochoa & John Jones - Bombaro photo
Click the Ron Bombaro photos below to enlarge
October 14, 2025: 125 Redwood Avenue 2nd alarm
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."
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 31, 2025: 15 Emerson Ave 9:45 PM 2nd alarm Multiple fatalities
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
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
RLS Media
RLS Media
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RLS Media
Aftermath - Gabriella Dragone photo
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Medical Examiners
November 3, 2025: 166 North Main Street Second Alarm
Bombaro photo
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DC Cleenput (left) and Macones (right) - Bombaro photo
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November 10, 2025: 144 Liberty Street
L3 was requested as the 2nd due truck on the initial alarm on a reported fire. Batt 3 confirmed the working fire in a 3-story type V residential and shortly transmitted a 2nd alarm due to an exposure issue on the B side. L3 conducted primary searches in the main fire building and vertical ventilation on the B exposure while E5 responded on the 2nd alarm and assisted with overhaul and RIT team operations
L3 was requested as the 2nd due truck on the initial alarm on a reported fire. Batt 3 confirmed the working fire in a 3-story type V residential and shortly transmitted a 2nd alarm due to an exposure issue on the B side. L3 conducted primary searches in the main fire building and vertical ventilation on the B exposure while E5 responded on the 2nd alarm and assisted with overhaul and RIT team operations
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December 8, 2025: 196 Wayne Avenue 3rd alarm - 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.
Ron Bombaro photos
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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