 |
On March 14, shortly after 2000 HRS, the East Orange (N.J.) Fire Department was dispatched to 4th Avenue and N. 19th Street for a report of a structure fire. The first-arriving engine company found a vacant multiple-family dwelling with heavy fire running up a stairway in the center of the building.
A second alarm was immediately transmitted for the large, three-story building. Exterior master streams were put into operation as flames took hold of the second and third floor. The fire was soon through the roof. A third alarm was struck as heavy fire in the original building proved to be too much and jumped a narrow alleyway and spread through the top floor of the exposure building.
Three elevated master streams, two deck guns and numerous handlines were used to hold the majority of the damage to the two buildings. The fire was placed under control after about three hours, with units remaining on scene for an extended time due to the instability of the original fire building. No serious injuries were reported, and the police were looking for a male suspect seen leaving the building shortly before the fire.