Massive fire at auto body shop in Hillside displaces dozens, destroys several businesses
HILLSIDE, New Jersey (WABC) -- A massive fire that broke out at an auto body shop in Hillside has left dozens of people displaced and several businesses destroyed.
The fire completely destroyed at least six businesses, including a florist, beauty supply shop, bodega, and barbershop along Maple Avenue, between Winans and Conklin avenues.
The owner of the auto body shop and one firefighter were treated for minor injuries, according to officials.
A big concern on Wednesday was the air quality in the area and officials urged people to wear masks because of the fumes in the air.
The fire started in the auto body shop around 7 p.m. Tuesday, and spread quickly, fueled by toxic fluids inside. Officials said 32 people were displaced and three multi-family homes were damaged.
Firefighters struggled to get ahold of the fire because of wind conditions but they were able to save many homes.
Community members said they are heartbroken and say some of the shops are staples in the community and have been around since before they were born.
Now residents are saying they are waiting to rebuild and will be there for those who lost their homes and businesses.
"I put everything into this. I'm just happy that God protected my family and employees," Marc Erminal said.
Erminal was vacationing in Florida when barbers at his shop called to say they were being evacuated.
Meanwhile, Queen King, who has owned The Fresh and Pretty Florist since 1988, stood in the middle of Maple Avenue on Wednesday, watching a lifetime of memories, and a lifetime of work fade away. She says she can feel the building calling her to come inside.
"It's just strange, you know, when you're coming outside you're looking at this and then you walk in the shop that you've been in for so long and the way it looks out here, you know, it was just a strange, funny feeling and I'm and I'm trying still trying to process," King said.
She still remembers, almost four decades ago, converting a shoe store into what would become her life's work.
"It's a blessing because I do, I like what I do," King said. "As I've gotten older, I tell my customers, I come in early, and I leave early, and they've adjusted to that. They tell me 'miss Queeny you close early.' I say, y'all don't see all this grey in my head?'"
King says she will not reopen at this location, but she already has a few new locations in mind.
Nine-year-old Etienne and her family are among the dozens of residents displaced by the fire. Etienne's family lived in a multi-family home that sits directly behind the auto shop.
"We need like dresses, shoes, a new house," Etienne said.
Ralph Bhatti said his classic 1972 Mercedes sports car was being restored at the shop when the fire happened.
"It was me and my mom used to drive in the car, that's my sentimental value to the car. The memories can't be replaced," Bhatti said.
The Red Cross is helping residents who are currently displaced.
Crews spent Wednesday dousing hot spots and investigators pored over the rubble looking for the cause.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
