Three alarms plus several special calls were necessary to control an intense fire that tore through four multiple dwellings in Newark on March 2^nd.

NFD units were dispatched at 1:14 AM to 187 Woodside Ave. after several area residents reported hearing a “large bang”. Heavy fire in the rear of the 2 ½ story fire building was rapidly spreading to the 3 ½ story exposure buildings on both sides. As conditions deteriorated, a second alarm was transmitted at 1:28 followed in ten minutes by a third alarm. Water supply issues greatly impacted initial operations. Crews were evacuated from the original fire building and soon after withdrawn from all three structures as they became heavily involved.

As good water supplies were established, one tower ladder, one ladder pipe, and multiple handlines were put into operation. The intensity of the fire lessened, conditions were improving, until smoke started to show from the cockloft and roof of exposure D-1, a three story “U” shaped OMD. The smoke condition intensified as companies opened up. The flames traveled to both wings of the building eventually venting out the rear and causing  a part of the rear cornice to collapse. Additional units were requested including trucks from Irvington and Montclair. House coverage was provided by units from Essex and Hudson Counties.

Ice formed on the streets and icicles hung on the buildings as operations continued. The fire was declared under control at 6:10. Four people were injured including two civilians, one firefighter injured in a fall, and a captain that received a head injury. All were treated and released. Twenty four families, including 49 adults and 18 children were left homeless. The Red Cross was assisting. The cause is under investigation.