A devastating four-alarm fire broke out late Saturday evening in Jersey City, New Jersey, engulfing a three-story row house at 165 Danforth Avenue and rapidly spreading to adjacent structures. The fire, which began in a 2.5-story wood-frame building, quickly extended into the cockloft, creating intense fire conditions that posed significant risks to firefighters and neighboring properties. Firefighters responded to the scene to find heavy flames consuming multiple structures, prompting an urgent request for additional resources. As fire conditions intensified, a fourth alarm was called to bring more personnel and equipment to the scene. Fire crews remain on-site working to contain and extinguish the blaze. There have been no immediate reports of injuries, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Incident: A Fiery Night on Danforth Avenue

The fire broke out late Saturday evening at 165 Danforth Avenue, a residential street in Jersey City’s Hudson County. The initial call reported flames coming from a three-story row house, but by the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread to adjacent structures. The buildings involved were 2.5-story wood-frame structures, a common architectural style in the area, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

The fire extended into the cockloft, a space between the top floor and the roof, which acted as a conduit for the flames to spread horizontally between buildings. This created a challenging situation for firefighters, who had to contend with intense heat, thick smoke, and the risk of structural collapse.

The Response: A Massive Effort to Contain the Blaze

Firefighters from the Jersey City Fire Department (JCFD) were the first to respond to the scene, arriving within minutes of the initial call. However, the scale of the fire quickly overwhelmed local resources, prompting the activation of a four-alarm response.

A four-alarm fire is a significant emergency that requires a large-scale response, including additional fire companies, specialized equipment, and support personnel. The fourth alarm brought firefighters from neighboring jurisdictions to assist in containing the blaze and protecting nearby structures.

Firefighters faced numerous challenges as they worked to bring the fire under control. The intense heat and flames created exposure risks to adjacent buildings, requiring crews to focus on preventing the fire from spreading further. Commanders on the scene ordered the power to be cut to one of the affected structures to ensure the safety of firefighters working in the area.

At one point, firefighters working on the C-side of the roof were ordered to withdraw due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building. This decision underscored the dangers faced by firefighters and the importance of prioritizing their safety during such operations.

The Scene: Chaos and Destruction

The scene on Danforth Avenue was one of chaos and destruction. Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky, illuminated by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. Firefighters worked tirelessly, using hoses, ladders, and specialized equipment to battle the flames.

Neighbors gathered on the street, watching in shock as the fire consumed the buildings. Many expressed concern for the residents of the affected structures and gratitude for the efforts of the firefighters.

“It’s just devastating,” said one neighbor. “These are homes where people live, where families have made memories. To see it all go up in flames is heartbreaking.”

The Impact: Significant Damage and Displacement

The fire caused significant damage to multiple structures on Danforth Avenue. The three-story row house where the fire originated was completely destroyed, and adjacent buildings sustained extensive damage.

The exact number of displaced residents is not yet known, but it is expected to be substantial. The American Red Cross and other organizations are on-site to provide assistance to those affected, including temporary housing, clothing, and other necessities.

The Investigation: Determining the Cause

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Fire investigators will examine the scene, interview witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage to determine how the fire started and why it spread so quickly.

One area of focus will be the cockloft, which played a significant role in the fire’s spread. Investigators will also look into whether the buildings were up to code and if any fire safety measures, such as sprinkler systems, were in place.

The Bigger Picture: Fire Safety in Urban Areas

The fire on Danforth Avenue highlights the challenges of fire safety in urban areas, particularly in older buildings with wood-frame construction. These structures are more susceptible to fire spread due to their design and materials, making them a significant concern for firefighters.

Experts emphasize the importance of fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant building materials, in preventing and mitigating the impact of fires. They also stress the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that buildings are up to code and that potential hazards are addressed.

The Community: Coming Together in Crisis

In the wake of the fire, the Jersey City community has come together to support those affected. Local organizations, businesses, and residents have rallied to provide assistance, including donations of clothing, food, and other essentials.

“It’s times like these that remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” said one local leader. “We may have lost buildings, but we haven’t lost our spirit. We’ll rebuild and come back stronger than ever.”

The Road Ahead: Recovery and Rebuilding

As the fire is brought under control and the investigation continues, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding. The affected residents will need support to rebuild their lives, and the community will need to come together to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.