'A huge loss': West New York fire covers Bergenline Avenue in smoke, businesses destroyed

A five-alarm fire engulfed Bergenline Avenue storefronts in West New York and left 11 families displaced early Wednesday morning, Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the fire was reported at 4:22 a.m. and estimated that crews would be at the scene for the rest of the day. No one was seriously injured, he said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"Bergenline is our main commercial district, it's been called a miracle mile," Rodriguez said. "This has always been our main shopping center. Practically in the heart of West New York, this is a huge loss."

Smoke from the fire hovered over the street, even after the flames were no longer visible. Wind pushed the smoke east toward the Hudson River, affecting parts of West New York not in the direct vicinity of the fire.

"When you feel smoke from a fire this big it permeates the area quickly and affects businesses," Rodriguez said. "We have schools nearby, but everything is safe and sound."

The fire occurred between 60th and 61st streets, home to a number of businesses including a Carvel, on West New York's busiest street.

Bergenline Avenue stretches from Union City to North Bergen, where it becomes Anderson Avenue. It is a densely packed street, with buildings stacked next to one another.

A second heavy Bergenline Avenue fire up the road in Union City was also reported later Wednesday morning. North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue covers both cities and required mutual aid from a number of nearby municipalities, including Jersey City, Kearny, Secaucus, Bloomfield and Montclair, among others.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: West New York NJ fire on Bergenline Avenue causes massive smoke