Firefighters Face Frozen Hydrants, Fierce Winds While Battling Jersey City Blaze
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Firefighters faced frozen hydrants and fierce winds while battling an overnight fire in Jersey City.
The blaze broke out around 12:30 a.m. Thursday at a three-story woodframe home on Washburn Street.
Fire officials said there were heavy fire conditions when crews arrived and freezing cold temperatures made fighting the fire difficult.
"It's extremely cold. It made fighting this fire a little difficult and treacherous," Fire Chief Darren Rivers told CBS2's Andrea Grymes. "It's very difficult to work when your feet, your hands are freezing. When you get wet, your gear is frozen and it's difficult to move around."
Jersey City Deputy Chief Michael Terpak said a few hydrants in the area were frozen.
"You're hoping and praying that the next one is going to give you the water," Terpak told WCBS 880's Sean Adams."You just gotta keep going down the block and hope that the next one's not frozen."
Firefighters kept the fire from leaping to adjacent buildings, Adams reported.
Two families -- four people -- lived inside the home, but no injuries have been reported.
The Red Cross is providing the two families displaced by the fire with temporary lodging, food and clothing.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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