Hoboken fire officials say a four-alarm fire broke out in Hoboken Sunday afternoon and forced people to evacuate their homes in frigid conditions.
The massive blaze started between 72 and 74 Madison Street and fire crews had to set up the nearby school for evacuation center for the residents of the block.
Bitterly cold doesn't even begin to describe how cold it is in Hoboken Sunday and with the wind…
Eyewitnesses told Fox 5 they heard a major explosion, and if firefighters didn't get here as quickly as they did, it would be a very different story.
"I was just watching TV and I heard a major explosion."
Chris Barton caught the aftermath of that explosion on his cell phone. In an exclusive video obtained by Fox 5, the flames can be seen ripping through one small Hoboken, New Jersey building and then completely take over another.
Right now it appears the fire completely gutted both buildings.
"It was crazy, there was so much smoke. You can see one building catch on fire too, and that one burned down too," said Barton.
Officials said the fire broke out around 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon when possibly when a resident flicked his cigarette, which then may have caused a propane tank on his back deck to explode.
Jeff Urschler lives across the street from where the fire broke out.
"Definitely when we heard the propane tank blew – the sound traveled through the whole house."
Officials on the scene said high winds also played a factor in fanning and fighting the fire. Luckily a fire house is stationed around the block from the scene.
Eyewitnesses said Hoboken firefighters got here in what seemed like seconds.
"First a Hurricane, now this. Luckily the police -- they were here within a minute," said Urschler.
Fire officials say six apartments were gutted and one person was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:49:53 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:46:23 GMT
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans.
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans. Cicadas live in the soil and make a familiar buzzing sound.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
