Three-Alarm Harrison Fire Shows Importance of Building Materials

A fast-moving three-alarm house fire on North Fifth Street in the early morning hours of July 17 demonstrated not only the skill and teamwork of firefighters from Harrison and neighboring communities but also how the type of exterior building materials used on homes can make a significant difference when fire spreads between closely spaced buildings.

The Harrison Fire Department responded at approximately 2:20 a.m. to a reported structure fire at 310 North Fifth Street. Harrison Fire Department Tour 2 companies—Ladder 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, and Battalion 2—were dispatched to the scene.

While firefighters were en route, Harrison Police officers confirmed heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence. Based on those reports, Battalion 2 Chief Cavanagh determined that the fire was serious enough to require additional firefighters and equipment beyond the firefighters and equipment en route. The Kearny Fire Department responded to the request and sent additional firefighters and equipment to the scene.

(Photo Courtesy Harrison Fire Department Facebook Page)

When Harrison firefighters reached the scene, they encountered heavy fire showing from both floors of the home. The flames had already begun extending to the neighboring homes at 308 North Fifth Street and 312 North Fifth Street, illustrating one of the challenges firefighters often face in Harrison's northern residential neighborhoods where homes are built only a short distance apart.

Firefighters Move Quickly to Stop the Spread

Engine 4 advanced an attack line into the burning residence to begin an aggressive interior fire attack while Engine 2 deployed handlines to protect the neighboring homes from the advancing flames.

Meanwhile, Ladder 1 conducted primary searches for occupants and pets, ventilated the structure to improve interior conditions, and placed ground ladders around the building to support firefighting operations.

As fire conditions intensified, Chief Cavanagh requested a second alarm, followed by a third alarm to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene.

Firefighters from the Kearny and Jersey City Fire Departments joined Harrison crews in attacking the fire inside the neighboring exposure building while working to prevent additional fire spread.

Additional support was provided by the East Newark Volunteer Fire Department, Bayonne Fire Department, and North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue. These departments assisted both at the scene and by providing fire protection coverage throughout Harrison while local resources remained committed to the incident.

Close-Spaced Homes Increase Fire Risk

Like many communities in Hudson & Essex County, Harrison contains neighborhoods where homes are built only a few feet apart. While these compact neighborhoods contribute to the town's character, they also create challenges during structure fires because intense radiant heat can ignite neighboring buildings even if flames never directly enter them.

This fire provided a real-world example of how exterior construction materials can influence the extent of damage.

According to observations at the scene, the home on one side of the burning structure was protected with cement fiber siding, while the home on the opposite side was finished with vinyl siding. The difference was striking.

The cement siding on one neighboring building remained intact despite its close proximity to the intense heat generated by the fire. In contrast, the vinyl siding on the opposite home softened, melted, and sustained visible damage as it was exposed to the extreme temperatures.

While no exterior siding can make a home fireproof, building experts have long recognized that non-combustible products such as fiber-cement siding offer significantly greater resistance to heat and flame than vinyl siding, which can deform and melt when exposed to high temperatures. In densely populated communities like Harrison, those differences can help slow fire spread and reduce damage to neighboring homes.

Injuries and Displaced Residents

Two residents from the primary fire building suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  One firefighter from the Kearny Fire Department sustained a laceration to the hand and was also transported to a local hospital.  Tragically, one family dog was unable to be rescued and perished in the fire.

Several residents were displaced as a result of the blaze. According to the Harrison Fire Department, a privately organized GoFundMe campaign has been established for those wishing to assist the affected families.

Fire Chief Praises Teamwork

Harrison Fire Chief Henry Richard praised both Harrison firefighters and the many mutual aid departments that responded.

Chief Richard stated, "I could not be more proud of the first arriving members of our fire department and our mutual aid partners for their professionalism, courage, and dedication throughout this challenging operation. This fire was a true team effort.  Thank you to every first responder who worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of our community. Our thoughts remain with the families who were displaced by this devastating fire, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. We also mourn the loss of a beloved family pet. On behalf of the Harrison Fire Department, thank you to our residents and neighboring communities for your continued support. It is an honor to serve this community."

The Harrison Fire Department also thanked the Harrison Police Department for assisting with evacuations and maintaining scene security while firefighters battled the blaze. Police Officers play an important role in fire calls as they did in this fire.  Police officers on patrol are usually the first at the scene and provide crucial information on the nature of the fire so Firefighters can, as they did in this incident, call in additional resources in a timely manner.

Investigation Continues

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with questions regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Office of the Fire Chief at Harrison Fire Department Headquarters.

The incident serves as a reminder of both the dangers firefighters face and the importance of mutual aid among neighboring departments. It also highlights how construction materials, particularly in closely built neighborhoods like Harrison, can play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting nearby homes when every minute counts.

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