Icicles on trees and power lines were all that were left after firefighters battled a five-alarm fire that engulfed three buildings on Andrew Street on Feb. 2. It was the biggest in Bayonne since June, when a four-alarm fire on Broadway and 33rd Street claimed one life.
This one was not deadly, but larger, with firetrucks and first responders occupying two blocks from the scene. Nearly every fire department in Hudson County, including 75 firefighters, helped extinguish the blaze in slightly under three and a half hours.
Three buildings were demolished, and dozens of tenants were displaced. Fire departments in Hoboken and Kearny staffed Bayonne’s firehouses while the Bayonne Fire Department sent as many firefighters as possible to Andrew Street.
The fire, determined to be a result of an electrical malfunction, started on the second floor of a multifamily house on 84 Andrew Street between Avenue C and Kennedy Boulevard. Officials said the residents of the apartment first attempted to extinguish the fire on their own, delaying calling the fire department for five minutes.
“I heard kids screaming. That caught my attention. I could see from the corner of my window kids running in the street screaming ‘fire, fire, fire!'” — Nancy palmiero
“The Bayonne firefighters and our mutual aid partners worked tirelessly and professionally to contain the fire to three buildings,” said Bayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver. “All the firefighters did an outstanding job under windy conditions and icing conditions.”
Flames made house calls
Like many fires in Bayonne, this one spread in the space between the buildings. Flames from 84 Andrew Street entered 86 Andrew Street when the thermal heat shattered the side windows. Then the fire entered the attic of 88 Andrew Street, where Nancy Palmiero and her 84-year-old mother were living on the second floor. Firefighters evacuated adjacent buildings, including Palmiero, her mother, and their dog.
“I heard kids screaming. That caught my attention. I could see from the corner of my window kids running in the street screaming ‘fire, fire, fire!’” said Palmiero, who lost nearly all her possessions in the fire. She has since rented an apartment around the corner while her mother, who had been hyperventilating when firefighters arrived, remains in the hospital. Her family set up an online fundraiser to help with replacing belongings.
“I never thought my house would go on fire. I feel numb,” Palmiero said. The following week was consumed with putting her life back together and talking to insurance companies. All she retrieved from the fire were three passports, including her late father’s Italian passport. The Palmieros have lived on Andrew Street since he emigrated from Italy more than 60 years ago.
Good neighbor policy
“It’s so weird to see just an empty space there now,”said a neighbor who asked not to be named. “I didn’t know [my neighbors] very well, but I used to say hi to them walking around.” She was standing and watching crews remove debris from the site. “It’s going to be weird not to see them. I hope they find somewhere to live.”
“I say God has a reason for everything. I have no choice but to be optimistic about the future,” said Palmiero, who thanked the fire department and the mayor’s office for being “on top of everything.” She is planning to rebuild her home, while she said neighbors are planning to move away.
“Giant Laundromat,” on Andrew Street and Avenue C offered its space to evacuated residents on the cold, windy day while local authorities set up temporary shelter at Korpi Ice Rink.
“As our community comes together to try and help our neighbors get back on their feet, we are reminded of how quickly things can change and we must thank God that no one was seriously injured or died during this massive fire,” said Mayor James Davis. “When these events happen, I am always amazed at how wonderfully our town reacts. Bayonne will help and do what we can to get these folks back on their feet.”
Residents looking to help the displaced victims are encouraged to bring gift cards to Bayonne City Hall and donate to online fundraisers set up by victims and their families.
Rory Pasquariello may be reached at roryp@hudsonreporter.com.
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