Passaic, NJ – Massive Fire Destroys Beloved Passaic Kosher Restaurant

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    Firefighters battle a fire at King of Delancey Deli in Passaic, NJ April, 18, 2018. Passaic, NJ – A four alarm fire that broke out in the early morning hours in Passaic injured several firefighters and shuttered a popular kosher eatery.

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    NorthJersey.com (https://njersy.co/2vqC2Hk) reported that smoke alarms went off at 5:30 AM in the basement of the three story building on Main Avenue that was home to King of Delancey, a well loved kosher restaurant that was known for both its food and its friendly atmosphere.

    Chief Patrick Trentacost of the Passaic Fire Department said that most of the flames were in the rear of the basement when his crews arrived.

    Firefighters rescued two people who lived on the second floor of the building before tackling the blaze, which quickly escalated to four alarms.

    Flames rose through the walls of the wood frame structure, engulfing portions of the first and second floors, causing the restaurant’s kitchen floor to collapse into the basement.

    The fire could be seen leaping through the roof of the building, parts of which collapsed as firefighters fought valiantly to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.

    Passaic mayor Hector Lora said that 80 to 90 firefighters from Bergen and Passaic counties were on scene, with units arriving from Carlstadt, Rutherford, East Rutherford, Little Falls, Paterson and Wallington to offer assistance.

    Local Hatzolah members were on hand this morning, handing out coffee and bagels to the rescue workers who spent close to five hours battling the blaze. Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries and Lora praised the crews for their dedication saying, “Their hard work, their courage and their bravery saved lives.”
    Local Hatzolah members were on hand this morning, handing out coffee and bagels to the rescue workers
    Moshe Stareshefsky, a frequent visitor to King of Delancey, was on hand today as a volunteer member of the Rutherford Fire Department. He said that the restaurant was a popular catering venue and noted that he had been at there just yesterday, tasting their shawarma for the first time.

    “It was amazing,” Stareshefsky told VIN News.

    Passaic resident Martin Bodek said that he heard helicopters overhead as he headed to work this morning.

    “I texted my wife, asking what was going on,” said Bodek. “She sent me live video of our mayor on scene and I was like, ‘Holy moly, that’s King of Delancey. I hope no one’s hurt.”

    Bodek described the restaurant as his family’s favorite local establishment, noting that in addition to its excellent food, King of Delancey’s staff was accommodating and hard working.

    “I had my Siyum Hashas there, so good memories,” said Bodek.

    The Passaic Fire Department, Passaic Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.
    Firefighters battle a fire at King of Delancey Deli in Passaic, NJ April, 18, 2018


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