On Thanksgiving Day, a three-alarm fire broke out in an apartment building in West New York, NJ. Flames broke out at around 5:30 p.m., leaving 10 families and 20 people displaced. An explosion and subsequent collapse of a neighboring building’s roof left 10 firefighters injured, including two severe injuries requiring hospitalization. An investigation into what caused the fire is currently underway by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force.
The building located at 5222 Bergenline Ave which sits at the corner of Bergenline and 53rd Street, is a three-story residential building. The fire broke out in an apartment above the pharmacy on the first floor.
Within minutes after the flames were first reported, first responders from the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue were on the scene. Responders reported seeing heavy flames and smoke coming out of the building. To gain access to the flames, firefighters had to scale a neighboring building and fight the flames from the roof of the neighboring building. As the firefighters were battling the flames from the neighboring building, an explosion coming from the burning building rocked both structures. Just then, the roof collapsed in on itself, reducing the building to rubble and injuring 10 firefighters, with injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to broken bones. The injured firefighters were sent to either Jersey City Medical Center or Hackensack University Medical Center.
Firefighters continued to battle the flames and continued to pull residents from the burning building. Approximately three hours after the flames started at around 8:30 p.m., the fire was considered under control. The investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force has found that the fire originated in an apartment bedroom. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but at this time no foul play is suspected.
David Donnarumma, Chief of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, spoke about the firefighters that night. “The courageous efforts of our firefighters were instrumental in preventing any loss of life during this incident. I’m incredibly thankful that all of these dedicated members of our department are expected to recover and that there was no loss of life among residents or firefighters.” Richard Turner, Chairman of North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue’s Management Committee, also commended the firefighters, stating, “The heroism of these firefighters is a testament to their commitment to our communities, and we are thankful every day for the work they do to keep us all safe.”
As for the displaced families, the Red Cross is working with them providing food, medical assistance, and a place to stay. Four residents were admitted to a hospital for minor injuries but have since been released. All residents of the building were able to make it out safely with the help of the firefighters.
Still, the Thanksgiving Day tragedy poses challenges for those who have lost both their homes and their belongings, as well as those who were injured in the explosion. “It’s a sad day for the township of West New York. They with their residents, cause people are displaced, they lost their residences and lost their belongings,” said Donnarumma. “It’s a difficult day for the firefighters, not because we had to work but because of the injuries. Now their families will be suffering as well.”
