Major Fire Engulfs, Decimates North Jersey Chemical Factory

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — An abandoned chemical factory in Passaic County burned to the ground this weekend during an intense five-alarm fire.

On Friday, around 11:30 p.m., the rundown 200 by 300-foot chemical factory at 28 Piercy Street in Paterson caught fire.

Due to the building’s severe exposure problems, the fire escalated quickly, starting as a three-alarm blaze when firefighters arrived, and turning into a five-alarm fire as the evening progressed. Additionally, fire hydrants in the area were not working properly, prompting the five-alarm upgrade.

According to the Paterson Fire Department, several sections of the building collapsed, with debris not only damaging cars but also rupturing a gas line, further intensifying the blaze.

The fire also resulted in several downed utility poles and many burned vehicles, authorities said.

One car dealership near the factory began moving its cars to avoid the flying embers, completely blocking emergency personnel from entering the scene on North Straight Street. After Paterson police and City-Wide Towing were notified, the dealership representatives moved the cars themselves, clearing the way for first responders.

Joining firefighters in response were PSE&G, to address the ruptured gas line, and Passaic County Hazmat, due to the possibility of chemicals in the abandoned factory.

Authorities were able to clear the building for potential squatters, and no casualties were reported.

After battling the blaze for more than 12 hours, the command was terminated around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

The building was a former commercial and dye manufacturing facility once owned and operated by Galaxie Chemical. It’s been abandoned since 2006 and has been deemed a Superfund Site, or contaminated location, by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Paterson fire officials said an emergency order for demolition was signed by the building owner following the blaze.

The initial cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Click here to view photos of the fire, captured by photographer and retired firefighter Peter Danzo.