Firefighters Injured In 5-Alarm Fire That Spread To 3 Buildings

UNION CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Several firefighters were injured while battling a 5-alarm fire that spread to three buildings in Union City, N.J. Sunday evening.

Crews responded to the scene at 616 10th Street where the fire  started around 5 p.m.

Fire Chief Frank Montagne with the North Hudson Regional Department tells WCBS 880's Jim Smith that they're eyeing a barbecue in an alleyway between two of the buildings as a possible cause.

"With the high heat conditions, fire fighter fatigue, and the close proximity to the three buildings we had a lot of fire on arrival," Montagne said. "Firefighters did a very good job of containing the fire and not letting it spread any further than it did."

Ann Ramirez was walking past and called 911.

"It was very quick and popping, in five minutes everything like you know -- fire," Ramirez said.

Out of more than a dozen apartments, no residents were hurt.

CBS2's Alice Gainer reported one firefighter fell down the stairs and the others suffered burns. Smith reports their injuries are non-life threatening.