Three-alarm Hoboken fire causes the evacuation of three buildings

NJ.com

HOBOKEN - Some half dozen families were displaced into frigid temperatures by a three-alarm fire that ripped through three multi-family buildings yesterday afternoon, officials said.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at a multi-family wood-framed building that started at 128 Park Ave. between First and Second streets at around 4:45 p.m, officials said.

The fire spread to 124 and 126 Park Ave. before it was brought under control at around 7:15 p.m. Some firefighters remained at the scene last night to make sure that any smoldering embers in the walls did not flare up again, officials said.

Public Safety Public Director Angel Alicea said the cause of the fire could not be determined last night and that the blaze is under investigation.

Alicea commended the firefighters for tackling the blaze in the cold. The flames which spread quickly through the wood-framed buildings, although a brick wall between 126 and 128 Park Avenue helped to slow the fire.

"The fire department did a fantastic job in this frigid weather," Alicea said. "They performed terrifically. We are very proud of them."

Residents were also evacuated from two adjacent buildings at 122 and 130 Park Ave., Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said, but would be allowed to return last night.