At approximately 2:55 p.m. on June 27, the Bayonne Fire Department was dispatched to 437 JFK Blvd. on a report of alarms sounding and smoke in the building. Units found smoke coming from the four-story apartment building.
Firefighters found fire on a window sill in the stairwell leading to the roof and advanced a hose line to extinguish the blaze. All occupants of 437, 433, and 431 JFK were safely evacuated while firefighters operated on the one-alarm blaze.
Firefighters worked quickly, in the high heat and humidity, and the fire was declared under control at approximately 3:21 p.m. All occupants were allowed to return to their apartments moments later.
No injuries were reported. An investigation is underway.
Captain retires
“On behalf of Chief Weaver and myself, I would like to congratulate Captain Bob Bartos (TowerLadder2) on his retirement as he works his last shift today,” Deputy Chief Bill Bartos said.
Captain Bob Bartos has served on the BFD for 36 years.
“Even with just a few hours left in his final tour, Cpt. Bartos was first in the building today, leading his men to the seat of the fire and working diligently and professionally for the citizens of Bayonne,” Deputy Chief Bartos said.
Brush fire at memorial
On Saturday morning, June 26, there was a small fire at the local Vietnam Memorial on 1st St. and Trask Ave., according to Fire Chief Keith Weaver.
The BFD responded to a report of a small brush fire at approximately 6 a.m. at the memorial Units found a small fire that was extinguished within moments.
Bayonne Fire Investigators and Bayonne Police Detectives conducted an investigation and found the cause to be accidental due to an unattended candle.
“We request that all residents never leave any lit candle unattended, even outdoors,” Weaver said. “In the case of memorials, battery operated candles are a much better option to safely pay tribute.”
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