Guttenberg, N.J. - Below freezing temperatures and high winds are never a good combination for firefighting. North Hudson firefighters  had these conditions to cope with on the afternoon of January 7^th.  

Just past 2:30 p.m., Fire Control reported a fire on 68^th Street in Guttenberg.  The dispatcher reported “numerous phone calls.”  Units responding reported “smoke in the area.”

Heavy fire involved the rear deck portion of a large three-to-one story wood frame dwelling,   and a second-alarm was transmitted.  

The flames quickly extended to the “A” side of the structure with flames venting out windows on the “B” side, where there was a parking lot.  Flames then vented out of upper windows on the “A” side and then through the roof.  A third-alarm was transmitted.

It was also reported the an alarm was transmitted for smoke, directly across the Hudson River from the fire scene, in Manhattan.

Numerous hand lines were placed into operation, and Ladder 4's aerial raised to exposure “D.”  This was a three story ordinary dwelling separated by a narrow alley space. Hand lines were used on the ground and roof to prevent extension into this structure.  

Firefighters utilized hand lines inside the fire building and from the one-story rear extension roof to quell flames. Fire dominated the walls and ceiling as firefighters used  their tools to “open up.”  

During the fire, the local public works personnel deployed salt on the street and sidewalks for everyone's safety.  

It took several hours to make sure the labor intensive fire was “probably will hold” with the third-alarm assignment.  

The Jersey City Gong Club rehab unit was on the scene to assist the cold and exhausted firefighters, as conditions began to improve.  No occupants of the building were reported injured.