Two large fires erupted in New Jersey overnight into Saturday, damaging buildings and vehicles, but harming no one.
A five-alarm fire ripped through an abandoned chemical factory in Paterson just before 11:30 p.m. Friday, hurling flames and smoke high into the sky and damaging nearby vehicles, ABC7 reported.
The block-long abandoned building on Piercey Street was engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived, and water supply issues made the fight even more difficult.
Only one operational hydrant with low water pressure was initially available and fire engines worked in tandem to establish a water feed from fire hydrants further away.
Firefighting operations had to cease and reposition at one stage due to part of the building collapsing, sending debris onto nearby cars.
Electricity in the street had to be cut as a precaution.
Paterson Deputy Fire Chief Michael Cleenput said the building has been abandoned for over 20 years and were surprised to find a live gas line at the building.
Part of the fire was exacerbated by the gas line until crews were able to locate and shut off the correct valve.
“Right away, we went into defensive mode, which means none of our personnel go inside to operate,” Cleenput said.
“It was an abandoned chemical factory, so we knew to stay out and maintain a safe distance,” he said.
Fire fighters continued attending to the blaze Saturday morning and officials said the building will have to be demolished due to extensive damage and safety concerns.
Several hours later, a three-alarm fire destroyed several Seaside Heights houses at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, NJ.com reported.
Officials said the blaze began at a home on Sheridan Avenue, engulfing several nearby houses and destroying three cars.
Residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters were on scene for three hours fighting out the blaze.
Officials are currently investigating the circumstances that lead to both fires.
