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Large Fire Breaks Out In Building On JFK Boulevard In North Bergen

NORTH BERGEN, NJ(CBSNewYork) -- A fire was raging in a five-story building in North Bergen on Saturday evening.

The five alarm blaze broke out in a building on John F. Kennedy Boulevard and could be seen from as far away as the West Side of Manhattan, 1010 WINS reported.

Large Fire Breaks Out In Building On JFK Boulevard In North Bergen

The blaze began at the top of the five-story building, CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported.

Calls about the smell of burning wood prompted a 911 call, the building super's wife told 1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten.

"They call me, smelled wood from the fifth floor they called me," Maria said.

Roofing material including old wood and tar was quickly gobbled up by flames that produced thick, black smoke.

The alarm went out around dinner time.

"We went up there and knocked on all the doors to get everyone out and we got everybody out," building super Tommy Dhoud said.

After calling 911 Maria and her husband went door to door to tell tenants to evacuate the building. Dozens of families were forced out of their homes, CBS 2 reported.

North Bergen Fire 2
Firefighters battle a massive blaze in North Bergen, N.J. (Credit Jim Smith WCBS 880)

"We were all evacuated. Both buildings," Gabriella Delda said.

Finding long-term accommodations for the survivors will be tricky, CBS 2's Carlin reported. The American Red Cross will be focusing on immediate needs and temporary shelter.

At least one firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury fighting the blaze.

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