PHOTO BILL TOMPKINS

On Jan. 16, Hackensack, N.J., firefighters faced ice, snow and high winds as they fought a two-alarm fire in a local restaurant. Signs of the fire were first spotted by a passing police unit that reported smoke coming from the roof of Potero Grill on E. Mercer Street. The Hackensack Fire Department was dispatched at about 0315 HRS. On arrival of the first-due units, fire was visible inside the small restaurant extending to the cockloft and roof. A second alarm was transmitted shortly thereafter.

As flames took hold of the cockloft, the main concern was an attached two-story brick retail/office building at the rear of the restaurant. Firefighters used one ladder pipe, one deck gun and numerous handlines to knock down the flames and protect the exposure. The fire was placed under control after an hour. No serious injuries were reported. The fire is believed to be electrical in nature.