09-16-09 - Paterson General Alarm - 477 Straight Street

On Wednesday, September 16th 2009 at approximately 1845hrs Paterson Rescue 2 transmitted a radio alarm for a heavy smoke condition on 21st Avenue. Simultaneously, Fire Dispatch transmitted a box for 477 Straight Street (corner of 21st Ave) on a reported fire. Rescue 2 quickly arrived and called a working fire for a 1sty 50x100 attached commercial. With access problems and an intensifying smoke condition, command requested a 2nd alarm and subsequently a 3rd alarm with mutual aid to work (“General Alarm”). Crews were withdrawn from the building as fire consumed the commercial building and compromised the truss roof construction. <p> As crews were setting up exterior operations, acetylene tanks began to explode. With a good water source in place a total of 3 deck guns, 3 ladder pipes, and several outside 2.5” hand lines operated. There were no reported injuries.