WESTFIELD, N.J. – A six-alarm fire burned for several hours, severely damaging the popular Italian restaurant Ferraro’s and leaving the owners and employees of the establishment in shock.
On May 5, just after midnight, the Westfield Fire Department was dispatched to 8-14 Elm St. for a reported structure fire. The address is located in the business district right around the corner from their fire headquarters on North Ave.
Firefighters pulled out of the firehouse and were met with a heavy smoke condition blanketing the street, giving an early indication of a working fire. Upon arrival, heavy fire was showing inside the restaurant and heavy smoke was pushing from adjoining businesses.
Firefighters attempted to knock down the fire inside, but it had advanced rapidly, forcing all personnel to conduct exterior operations only. The fire quickly made its way through the roof sending flames and heavy black smoke into the night sky.
Master streams were set up in the street and on adjacent roofs to try and contain the fire, which was threatening neighboring structures. In addition, several ladder trucks were set up from Cranford, Mountainside, Fanwood, Kenilworth and Springfield to monitor roof conditions and allow firefighters roof access from all sides of the structure.
Firefighters continued to flow several hand lines and elevated master streams until approximately 2:30 a.m., when all visible fire appeared to be extinguished. The fire was declared under control shortly after at 2:46 a.m. by the incident commander.
There were no patrons or employees in the restaurant at the time of the blaze.
The entire restaurant was severely damaged, while two neighboring businesses and an apartment building sustained smoke damage.
Two residents from the adjacent apartment building were transported to Overlook Hospital in Summit, where they were treated for smoke inhalation.
The Red Cross was on scene to assist several residents that were displaced from their apartment building. The residents were put up at the Westfield Inn until they were able to return to their apartments.
The Union County Mutual Aid Coordinators were summoned to assist at the scene and with cover assignments.
Several mutual aid fire departments assisted at the scene including: Cranford, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Linden, Kenilworth, Garwood, Springfield, Roselle, Summit, Plainfield, New Providence, Hillside, Clark, Roselle Park, South Plainfield and Millburn. Elizabeth and Berkeley Heights covered the town during the incident.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Union County Fire Investigation unit and the State Division of Fire safety. According to officials, it appears the blaze started somewhere near the entrance of the pizzeria section.
