HOBOKEN – The fire that tore through the top of a building at 505 Washington St. around 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 was put out at approximately 2 a.m. resulting in the injuries of 14 firefighters, City spokesman Juan Melli told The Hoboken Reporter.
A cat named Frankie from 505 Washington St. was saved “a few hours into the fire,” Melli added.
The fire eventually spread to 507 Washington St. — complicated by the subzero temperatures and icy winds.
“About 14 firefighters suffered mostly minor injuries like frostbite, slip and falls, and smoke inhalation,” said Melli, who noted that all firefighters have since been released. “The cold froze hoses, masks, other equipment that had to be swapped out with reserve equipment..as much as the cold was an issue they also had to deal with high winds fanning the fire.”
Several blocks of Washington Street were cordoned off as the Hoboken Fire Department fought the blaze with the help of the Jersey City Fire Department and the North Hudson Regional Fire Department. The cause of the fire, which did not injure any civilians, is still under investigation.
Saints Peter and Paul is currently working to collect donations for the victims. Information on how you can help will be posted before the end of the weekend. Also check out our Twitter, @hudson_reporter.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer released a statement Sunday, “Thank you to the entire Hoboken Fire Department, along with the Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Environmental Services, Parking Utility, and Community Emergency Response Team for keeping everyone safe under extremely difficult and frigid conditions.”
While no one was seriously injured, city officials said “contents” from 505 and 507 Washington St. suffered fire and water damage. Donations to help those affected can be made by at www.spphoboken.com/contents/social_justice/hoboken-fire-fundraiser.php.
NEWS UPDATE: How to help after Hoboken blaze; ‘Frankie’ the cat saved
