By: Richard L. Smith
A large industrial fire in Paterson escalated into a major multi-alarm response, causing structural collapse, utility disruptions, and damage to nearby property late last week.
According to a statement released by the Paterson Fire Department, crews were dispatched on Friday, April 3, 2026, to 6–34 Piercy Street, where they encountered heavy flames engulfing an abandoned one-story factory building.
Due to rapidly worsening conditions, the incident quickly escalated to a fifth-alarm response.
Firefighters operated in a defensive mode as the volume of fire made interior operations unsafe.
A collapse zone was established early to protect personnel.
Officials said water supply issues complicated efforts, as several hydrants in the area were either inoperable or experiencing low pressure.
The Passaic Valley Water Commission was contacted to boost water flow as crews deployed multiple aerial master streams to battle the blaze from all sides.
Fire extended into a connected four-story mill building near Haledon Avenue and Holsman Street.
Crews entered that structure to check for fire spread and possible occupants, using handlines and search ropes to conduct sweeps for squatters. No occupants were located.
A small fire discovered on an upper floor of that building was extinguished and remains under investigation.
During the operation, portions of the main fire building collapsed, including a significant section along Piercy Street.
The collapse damaged multiple vehicles and ruptured a major natural gas line, intensifying flames and causing overhead utility lines and poles to fail.
PSE&G responded and shut down the gas line while also disconnecting electrical service, allowing firefighters to bring the fire under control.
Additional fires involving vehicles on Piercy Street and Presidential Boulevard were also extinguished.
Authorities said representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, and Paterson fire officials are conducting a joint investigation into the cause.
The building owner responded to the scene and signed an emergency demolition order due to the extent of the structural damage.
Air quality monitoring conducted during the incident showed no hazardous conditions in surrounding areas.
No injuries were reported.