Incident Overview
A multiple-alarm fire on December 7th resulted in the displacement of nine residents from three families in Kearny, New Jersey. Fire companies responded to a three-story occupied wood-frame dwelling on Davis Avenue shortly after 1:30 PM following reports of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and heat, with visible flames on the third floor. The rapidly spreading fire eventually engulfed the top floor of the residence, moving from the rear to the front of the structure.
Firefighting Operations and Mutual Aid
Due to deteriorating conditions and the spread of the fire, an evacuation order was sounded, and a collapse zone was established around the structure. All Kearny fire companies were activated, and the response quickly escalated to multiple alarms, requiring extensive mutual aid.
Assisting departments included Harrison Ladder 1, and Jersey City Engines 15 and 17, Ladder 9, Battalion 4, and the Field Training Officer. Firefighting efforts relied heavily on master streams, including water application from Kearny Tower 2, a ladder pipe from Jersey City Ladder 9, Kearny Engine 1’s deck gun, and three ground monitors. Hand lines were also used to protect an adjacent 2.5-story wood-frame dwelling from exposure damage.
Aftermath and Assistance
The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:40 PM. Officials reported no injuries to residents or emergency personnel.
A total of nine individuals, representing three families, were displaced as a result of the structural damage. They were given temporary shelter at Engine Co. 1’s firehouse and were provided assistance by members of the American Red Cross. The Jersey City Gong Club canteen and Jersey City O.E.M. rehab bus were on the scene to provide support to responding crews. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.