Paterson firefighters had to contend with frigid temperatures, very gusty winds, and a well packed basement as they battled a three alarm fire on February 16^th,

The blaze was first reported by Police as heavy smoke issuing from “George the Butcher”  at 64 Washington Street at about 11:40 PM. The three story building was determined to be unoccupied. Crews advanced lines inside and located a well advanced fire. A second alarm was requested. Multiple lies were put into operation, but with little progress being made, all operations went defensive and a third alarm was transmitted.

Strong winds fanned the deep seated fire as two tower ladders and multiple 2 ½ lines worked. Members opened up the ceiling of the first floor and accessed the basement. This posture went on for several hours as the smoke condition would lighten only to intensify. At about 2:15 a request to Oradell for their Hi-Ex Foam Unit was made. The foam helped, but did not fully extinguish the flames. Members returned to using hand lines. Conditions slowly began to improve as the sun rose. Third alarm companies were released around 7:00. Units remained on the scene for most of Monday hitting hot spots. One firefighter was transported, treated, and released. Sixteen residents of the building across Washington St. were evacuated due to the stability of the fire building. The cause is being investigated.