Two firefighters were injured, one seriously, as they battled a multiple alarm fire that destroyed two structures in Bayonne on June 18.
Firefighters were dispatched to 455-461 Avenue “C” at about 1:00 a.m.
On arrival heavy fire was showing from the rear of attached three two-story frame buildings. The buildings contained the “Bayonne Giant Laundromat” covering the first floor of both structures with residences above.
The fire appeared to have started in a trash area in the rear and had extended into both buildings by the time firefighters arrived. Additional alarms were quickly transmitted as numerous occupants needed to be removed. Firefighters from across Hudson County were called in to help battle the blaze. Additional units from Essex County were also summoned to help cover the city.
Flames soon had possession of the cocklofts of both buildings and several elevated master streams were set up and put into operation. Heavy fire broke through the roofs of both structures and also the top floor residences.
Several firefighters were in the process of repositioning a ladder in the rear of the two story building when the rear portion of the roof, which contained a tile façade collapsed. One firefighter was knocked down and injured, but another took a full force impact and was temporarily buried under the debris.
Firefighters worked quickly to free him and transferred him along with the other firefighter to Jersey City Medical Center.
The seriously injured firefighter received multiple fractures and back injuries. The second firefighter suffered extensive bruising, but he was able to be released the next day.
Companies continued to hit the flames from the outside with four elevated master streams as well as a deck gun and multiple handlines.
The fire was able to be placed under control at about 5:00 a.m. with companies remaining at the scene until the buildings were taken down the next day leaving about 45 residents homeless.
Several citizens were treated for minor smoke inhalation.
