PERTH AMBOY, NJ – In the early hours of January 13, 2024, Perth Amboy Fire Department (PAFD) responded to a fire at a warehouse located at 1 Buckingham Avenue. The initial call for a fire alarm activation at 00:07 hours quickly escalated as multiple reports of smoke emanating from the warehouse were received by 00:09 hours.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke in the rear of the warehouse, accompanied by a water flow alarm. A sprinkler head had successfully contained the fire to a section of palletized storage. However, due to the extensive smoke spread from floor to ceiling, the PAFD deployed a 2.5” hoseline to extinguish any residual fire.
The severity of the smoke led to a second alarm, calling additional fire companies to assist at the scene. To aid in ventilation, two high capacity trailered fans were requested from the Edison Fire Department, supplemented by several fans from other fire apparatus.
After extensive efforts, the smoke was cleared, the area overhauled, and all smoldering remnants of the fire extinguished. All searches within the building were negative, and no injuries were reported. However, due to the combined effects of fire, smoke, and water damage, the building housing the warehouse and lower level businesses was declared uninhabitable.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the PAFD Fire Investigation Unit and the Sayreville Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Mayor Caba of the City of Perth Amboy acknowledged the swift and effective response of the fire departments and emergency services in handling this incident.