Hillside, NJ Fire: Explosion Destroys Multiple Businesses on Maple Avenue

Devastating Fire in Hillside, NJ

• 💥 An explosion at an auto body shop on Maple Avenue in Hillside, New Jersey, triggered a massive fire.
• 🔥 The blaze quickly spread, engulfing a total of six businesses along Maple Avenue.
• 🚒 The fire was a five-alarm incident, requiring mutual aid from surrounding communities to bring under control.

Extent of Damage and Impact

• 🏚️ Most businesses on the affected stretch of Maple Avenue were destroyed, with some buildings reduced to rubble.
• ⚠️ The fire impacted various types of businesses, including a flower shop and a hair salon, the latter containing flammable chemicals.
• 🤕 Reports indicate one firefighter sustained an injury, though the extent is currently unknown.

Historical Context and Ongoing Efforts

• 📅 According to the mayor, this fire is the second worst in Hillside in nearly two decades.
• ⏳ Firefighting operations are expected to continue through the night to fully extinguish the remaining pockets of fire.
• 📰 Further updates on the incident were planned for the CBS News at 11 broadcast.