The Jersey Journal
BAYONNE, N.J. — Battling a two-alarm blaze on West 27th Street in yesterday's sweltering heat, Bayonne firefighters rescued two people who were trapped on a second floor, officials said.
In all, three persons — one resident and two firefighters — were injured and nine people in four apartments were displaced by the fire at 81 W. 27th St.
"The firefighters did an incredible job rescuing two victims and extinguishing a stubborn fire that traveled the entire structure, while at the same time braving stifling hot outdoor temperatures," Fire Chief Greg Rogers said.
The Fire Department and other emergency responders were called to West 27th Street at 12:23 p.m. on the report of a brush fire, but on arrival found heavy smoke billowing from a 21/2-story wood frame building, officials said.
A man and a woman in their mid-20s, unable to escape the building through the front door, were trapped on the second-floor balcony. Both were rescued when firefighters hoisted a ladder to the balcony, officials said.
The woman was treated at the Bayonne Medical Center for smoke inhalation. A 70-year-old woman had previously been evacuated from the house.
Firefighter Greg Horne injured his ribs falling through stairs leading to the first floor at the rear of the building, while Firefighter Don Haiber suffered heat exhaustion. Both were treated at the Bayonne Medical Center.
The 28 firefighters who responded to the fire not only had to battle the fire but the 90-degree weather as well, Rogers said.
"They are wearing heavy coats and carrying a lot of gear and at the same time they are working at full capacity," Rogers said. "At some point they're relieved to take a break for rehab where they cool down, they are given water, ice, wet towels.
"The EMS and battalion chief are aware that heat stroke is a very real possibility and they keep an eye on the firefighters to see if they show signs of heat stroke," he added.
The building's attic suffered most of the fire damage, but there was also significant damage to the rear walls and smoke damage throughout, Rogers said.
George Bratolle, a relative of the building's owners — listed in the tax records as Sonia and Louis Douce — said the family had contacted the owners in Montreal, Canada, where they were on vacation with their two daughters. The family was driving back after hearing the upsetting news, he said.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation, but early reports suggest the fire started at the stairs outside the rear of the building, Rogers said.
The neighboring building at 79 W. 27th St. suffered damage to its vinyl siding.
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