Feb. 8, 2023 Numerous businesses in Plainfield, West New York and Union City were destroyed in the multi-alarm blazes.
Source Firehouse.com News
Three multiple alarm fires in downtown New Jersey towns ripped through stores and apartments in a matter of hours, displacing many residents.
A fire in West New York was discovered about 4:30 a.m., and went to five alarms. Six stores in three buildings were damaged, according to ABC7.
The businesses included a nail salon, smoke shop, repair store, beauty supply store, a Carvel Ice Cream store, and a Don Julios BBQ/ There were apartments above them, and all were affected.
A short time later, another large fire on the same street a few miles apart burned another three stores with apartments on the second and third floors.
Union City Mayor Brian Stack said about 50 people were left homeless by the fire.
Some of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue crews who mutual aid had been operating at the West New York fire was being redirected to Union City. It has been a strain on the dozens of firefighters battling both fires.
“Absolutely. a long day like this, hours of work. Guys work tremendously. They go through multiple bottles and it takes a toll on their bodies. Mentally, physically, psychologically, it affects you in all ways,” said Chief David Donnarumma, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.
The fires are being investigated by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force.
On Tuesday night, fire damaged eight buildings in downtown Plainfield. The blaze went to six alarms as more firefighters were needed.
The fire appeared to have started as a brush fire and quickly spread to several buildings, according to nj.com.
“This is a devastating blow to our downtown commercial district and to the city as a whole. Many of our business owners have sunk their life savings into these businesses, and the loss of income will be a hard blow. The administration will provide as much support as possible to those impacted,” Mayor Adrian Mapp told reporters.
A total of 125 firefighters from 17 towns worked overnight to contain the fire.
At 4:30 a.m., fire broke out 31 miles away in downtown West New York, NJ, damaging several businesses there.
There were no injuries in any of the incidents.
