Full Notification

A five story building at 300 Washington Street caught fire shortly after 7pm on Sunday evening.

Three Hoboken firefighters were treated for knee injuries, a broken hand, and smoke inhalation.

"We are so grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us every day," said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. "This is a reminder of how dangerous their work is. I thank everyone for coming together, saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading to other buildings - the Hoboken Fire Department, Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, EMS, and the mutual aid we received from various towns including Elizabeth, Newark, East Newark, Bloomfield, Bayonne and Jersey City."

While all residents of the building are safe, one was treated for smoke inhalation on Sunday night. At least 17 residents lived in the building, and at least nine did not have insurance.

A community-organized fundraiser for the fire victims is scheduled for Friday, March 2nd from 7-10pm at Room 84, 84 Washington Street. A donation at the door is requested, and all entrants will receive one free drink upon entry. Additional details on the fundraiser are available online: https://www.facebook.com/events/301015846626195/.

Saints Peter and Paul Church is coordinating victim assistance. Residents needing help or who wish to provide assistance can contact the parish at 201-659-2276 or [email protected].

"Sadly, some of our residents lost everything, but we have a strong and generous community that is rallying to their side, so we ask residents to give as much as they can to help," added Mayor Zimmer.

Construction officials have deemed the building uninhabitable and have determined that it will require at least a partial demolition, since the entire 5th floor and several floors in the back were completely destroyed by the fire. Demolition work is expected to begin on Tuesday, February 22nd. Washington Street between 2nd Street and 4th Street will remain closed until the demolition is complete. Demolition work is expected to last approximately one week.

Until further notice, NJ TRANSIT bus routes No. 22 (Hoboken-Union City-North Bergen), No. 89 (Hoboken-North Bergen) and No. 126 (Hoboken-New York) will operate on a detour route between Hoboken Terminal and 11th Street at Washington Street.

Customers are advised of the following:

From Hoboken Terminal (Nos. 22 and 89 to North Bergen; No. 126 to New York)

• No service will be provided along Washington Street between 11th Street and Observer Highway.
• Buses will operate from Hoboken Terminal along Observer Highway to northbound Bloomfield Street, make a right on 11th Street, a left on Washington Street, then return to the regular route.
• Northbound customers are advised to board/alight at the following locations along Bloomfield Street, upon request (waiting customers must hail the bus as it approaches):
o Hoboken Bus Terminal
o Bloomfield Street at 1st Street
o Bloomfield Street at 3rd Street
o Bloomfield Street at 5th Street
o Bloomfield Street at 7th Street
o Bloomfield Street at 9th Street

To Hoboken Terminal (Nos. 22, 89 and 126 trips operating via Washington Street)

• No service will be provided along Washington Street between 11th Street and Observer Highway.
• Buses will operate to Hoboken Terminal from Washington Street at 11th Street, make a left on 11th Street, followed by a right on Hudson Street to Hoboken Terminal.
• Southbound customers are advised to board/alight at the following locations along Hudson Street, upon request (waiting customers must hail the bus as it approaches):
o Hudson Street at 10th Street
o Hudson Street at 8th Street
o Hudson Street at 6th Street
o Hudson Street at 4th Street
o Hudson Street at 2nd Street
o Hudson Street at Newark Street
o Hoboken Terminal

NJ TRANSIT is advising customers to check njtransit.com for service updates throughout the week.