Passaic, NJ - Flames tore through a house on Pennington Avenue in Passaic on the morning of April 15th. Shortly after 8:30 A.M., companies were dispatched to 106 Pennington Ave. on a reported structure fire.

As companies left quarters they reported smoke as dispatched updated they were getting numerous calls. As first due units arrived they found the porch of a two-and-a-half story, wood-frame home fully involved and extending to the second floor. A second-alarm was quickly transmitted.

The fire on the first floor was rapidly extending to the second and third floors of the house. Firefighters had to commence an exterior attack while protecting exposures. Water supply issues and downed power lines made things even more difficult for firefighters. Mutual aid companies found several dead hydrants in the area also. Master streams from both Passaic truck companies went into operation, along with Paterson Ladder 1 which was positioned in an alleyway off of Lafayette Street.

Crews had the fire knocked down within about two hours, and it was declared under control at 10:57 A.M. Mutual aid from Clifton, Paterson and Wallington assisted on scene while companies from East Rutherford provided coverage.

Chief of Department Patrick Trentacost said it was a difficult fire to fight due to the size and age of the home's structure, as well as the amount of time passed before the fire department was called. The house was a complete loss he said, and serious injuries were reported.