Fire Tears Through Building In Downtown Rutherford, NJ

RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Firefighters in New Jersey are putting out hot spots after an early morning blaze tore through a building in downtown Rutherford.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. Wednesday at 19 Park Avenue. The building houses both a restaurant and apartments.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building. But with wind chills in the single-digits, fire crews had to warm up in nearby buildings.

"We try and rotate guys out of the buildings that we can," Fire Chief Craig Scott told CBS2's Andrea Grymes. "Right now, we're using the music conservatory to keep guys warm. We have a bus here from the town to keep guys warm, rotating in and out of there."

Scott said it appears the fire started on an outdoor patio adjacent to the restaurant and said there was also a partial collapse on the second floor.

No injuries were reported, but some residents in nearby apartments had to be evacuated.

"Police just came and banged on the door, rang the doorbell and they basically told us to get out," one resident told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck.

Firefighters from nine towns responded to the scene and were able to keep the flames from spreading to other buildings.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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