Blaze Guts Ferraro's, a Landmark Westfield Restaurant
As fire raged,16 fire departments tried to control damage to Westfield landmark and its second-floor apartments while saving surrounding buildings. All residents were evacuated safely.
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A six-alarm fire broke out late Wednesday night, gutting Ferraro's, the storied Westfield restaurant and lounge, and continuing into the early-morning hours Thursday.
Nobody was in the restaurant at the time of the fire, but the six residents from the three apartments on the second and third floors of the building all survived the blaze; only two residents were treated for cases of smoke inhalation.
Deputy Fire Chief David Kelly said they got the alarm at midnight and were on the scene of the landmark North Avenue restaurant within minutes. "The fire was showing when we got here," he said. Kelly said the fire, which is currently under investigation, originated in the entrance. He said that members of the Union County Fire Investigation Unit and the investigation unit of the State Division of Fire Safety were also at the scene.
"There is substantial damage," Kelly said. "Ferraro's will be out of business for awhile."
Kelly said that Anthology, a Quimby Street women's boutique that shares a wall with Ferraro's, sustained smoke damage. Another adjacent business, the Christine Cosenza State Farm Insurance Agency, at the corner of Elm Street and North Avenue, also suffered smoke damage.
Joe Bolizzi, manager of Ferraro's, said, "It's a shame it happened. There are no words." Our bosses were like, 'What the hell happened? We have to try to regroup.' The restaurant is pretty much destroyed. From what I saw, forget about it." He said he has no idea how or where the fire started.
At 1:35 a.m. Thursday, fire departments were battling flames that could be seen shooting through the roof of the restaurant. By 2:30 a.m., the fire appeared to be completely extinguished. But the smell of gas lingered in the air, until three workers from PSEG turned off the gas from below street level.
Laura Debrossy, who works at The Running Company on Quimby Street, was loading new merchandise into the store at about midnight, when she said she smelled smoke and walked around to the front of Ferraro's.
"I couldn't see a foot in front of me, there was so much smoke." Debrussy said, adding that 10 minutes later, windows in the apartments started to shatter.
Debrussy said she saw Gladys Alayon, who lived in one of the apartments escape with her 7-year-old daughter. Alayon's brother, Edward Torres, also lives in the apartment that they've been sharing since August.
Alayon was sleeping when she was awakened by the fire alarm. "I heard the alarm ring from the back bedroom, woke up and smelled smoke," she said, adding that they've been living in the apartment since August.
"She didn't just wake me up," Torres said. "She woke everyone up. She saved everyone." He said that they all got out, but his dog, a German Shepherd/Collie they got from a shelter, got off the leash and ran back into the apartment.
"When I went back for the dog, there was so much smoke I couldn't see my hand in front of my face," Torres said, adding that he found the dog hiding under a bed in the back bedroom. When I came back out, I passed out on the curb. "They took me to Overlook Hospital," he said, "they did blood work, put me on oxygen. I got real lucky. I was spitting up black, and everything." He said his dog is fine but he will be taking it to the veterinarian today.
Another resident, suffering from smoke inhalation, was taken to Overlook Hospital. Multiple rescue squads were on the scene. A man who escaped his apartment with his two dogs; all the residents displaced by the fire were staying at the Westfield Inn. Mike Prasad, emergency services director for the American Red Cross' Tri-County Chapter, was at the scene to provide assistance to residents of the damaged apartments.
Kelly said the apartments were off limits, but wasn't sure for how long.
The Jolly Trolley took in the people who needed assistance. Two women and a man, who declined to give their names, were asked if they lived in the apartments.
"Before tonight I did," the man said quietly.
As the Westfield Fire Department led the efforts to fight the fire, firefighters from Elizabeth and Berkeley Heights manned the operation at WFD headquarters.
Firefighters spent hours on the roof of the building, trying to contain the blaze as heavy black smoke poured from windows that firefighters had broken through on the Quimby Street side of the structure, which comprises three storefronts. Ladder trucks from the Mountainside, Cranford, Fanwood and Springfield fire departments were used to fight the flames.
Fire departments from Westfield, Cranford, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Millburn, Linden, Kenilworth, Garwood, Springfield, Roselle, Summit, Plainfield, South Plainfield, New Providence and Hillside were battling the blaze.
Started as a mom-and-pop pizzeria in 1969, Ferraro's occupies three buildings along Elm Street and features a separate dining room in each building, including a room for fine dining, a casual pizzeria and a lounge with live music.
Robin Ince
5:40 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
This is SO very sad but the Ferraros and Murrays WILL rebuild! They are an awesome family and we are blessed to have them in Westfield!!
Tom Fortunato
10:55 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
The tragic thing is, they just refurbished and expanded the restaurant a few years ago. When was it, in 2007? Damn... all that money wasted.
I do suspect some foul play here. A pizza place burns down at almost 2 in the morning? It couldn't have been a grease fire or some other kitchen accident. I bet it was sabotage. Is Ferraro's even open that late on a weekday? The kitchen most likely wasn't.
Gary McCready
6:15 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Unfortunate - and Channel 4 is saying they could only use six firefighters initially due to budget cuts - could guess it would not take long for that to be mentioned.
Monk
7:47 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Gary, don't propagate liberal BS. Budget cuts . . . . Baloney.
Gary McCready
9:55 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
(sigh) - Don't assume an agenda for me - I wrote that so it could be viewed both ways - obviousy, someone told channel 4 that, and one can only guess who. The real story should be if fires normally spread that quickly, or if the fireshouse across the street was staffed that night, or if we typically have police patrol the central business district. Or why we have 16 departments called in to fight such a fire. Lots of layers here.
Lauren Mazzarella
6:53 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
This is so sad for everyone involved. My husband and I had our first date there over 6 years ago. I feel sorry for the residents in the apartments.
Thomas Hoens
7:01 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thank God no one was injured in this terrible fire. Ferraro's has been such a tremendous and caring corporate citizen of Westfield for many years and we hope that that they can rebuild quickly.
jean erickson
7:07 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Our family is in mourning. We love the Ferraro's, and it is our favorite, go-to family restaurant!!! But we know they will rebuild - hopefully quickly!!! Jean Erickson
Andrew Timoni
7:47 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Very sad... my cousin and I used to work there when we were in high school and I continued to go back there with my girlfriend constantly 7 or 8 years later. Great place and great family... I hope they can rebuild and get back on their feet as soon as possible.
diane starita
8:07 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Diane Starita
I am devastated by this news and for the entire family. They are wonderful people who support this wonderful town. I will be praying for all of you.
Dawn Carbajal
9:28 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
The news is devastating..i used to hang out there with friends when i was in high school..it was a great place to just hang out or bring ur family..it definatly had that "family atmosphere"..God Bless
Sam
9:52 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
In Mourning? Devastating? The fire is awful, but perspective is needed. No lives lost. Think of the tornadoes recently and the hundreds of lives that were lost - that was/is devastating. The restaurant is replaceable.
David
10:14 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
My family and friends love this restaurant (whether for a casual Sunday evening meal or a somewhat more formal occasion, due to their multiple dining areas). We are all saddened by this news but very much look forward to the re-opening. Most importantly, we're glad to hear that nobody was seriously injured. We hope the restaurant owners and apartment residents can all try to stay positive during this difficult time.
Pamela McClure
10:17 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Ferraros are a wonderful family who have worked hard to make their dreams come true. I remember the youngest daughter working the cash register in pizza restaurant when she couldn't even see over the counter! My heart is broken and I hold them in prayer. The blessing is that no one was injured....
Carolyn
10:59 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I was saddened to hear about the fire on FOX news this morning. I'm glad there were no fatalities or serious injuries. Ferraros is a good restuarant and an asset to Westfield's economy. Here's hoping they will be back up and running sooner than later.
scrumpy johnson
11:14 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I will miss Ferraro's just as much as I miss Hunan of Garwood.
Jean Whitney
11:20 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Good coverage, John, of a bad thing. We had our (marriage) rehearsal dinner there in a private room years ago and even though we've moved away, I don't want Ferraro's to go away! Good food, good service, good memories.
marilyn tammaro
11:51 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I thank GOD no one was hurt. I worked there during my high school years and love the family. I know they will rebuild as it has been a Westfield Tradition for so long.
Notafan
12:37 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thank goodness no lives were lost....however, I also worked for Ferraro's for a short time and do not have the same fond memories. Perhaps they treat their staff better now.
linda silver
10:01 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
Notafan get your story straight, you are an ex-employee or your friend dragged you to the restaurant to eat 3 times, which one sounds better in the forum for you to troll? here is your post from NJ.com forum: actually, I created that name just for this post. I have never posted here, or much of anywhere for that matter. I am specifically not a fan of this restaurant that a friend dragged me to 3 times, and I was miserable each time, but he kept insisting that my horrible meals were an isolated incident. So why don't you eat more donuts and keep being a police officer that everyone hates, just like all the dumb idiots I went to high school with who couldn't be bothered educating themselves in college.
Rosanne Eakin
12:41 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Whenever I fly to NJ from New Mexico to visit, we go to Ferraro's for dinner and I am greeted like family. Thank goodnes no one was seriously hurt. My thoughts are with the Ferraro family.
Carolyn Klinger Kueter
1:18 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Ferraros and Murray are like family to me as well as thousands of others. Their collective community-mindedness is beyond belief. There wasn't an organization that they didn't contribute to: both financially and with their heartfelt time and energy. I recall the day they opened the pizzeria in the '60's and Anna was ringing her hands wondering if they were going to 'make a go of it.' History speaks for itself. Just the other day, a reminisced about Little Lina, 5 years old, just barely able to see over the counter taking orders for pies, e tip toeing to reach the cash register for change, and then slappin' it down on the counter above her. We ALL love you, Anna, Palmiro, Maria, Chuck, Lina, Guiseppe, and your 6 wonderful children. Carolyn Klinger-Kueter
Paul Anhesuer
1:24 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
It's no secret that this place ,like all food businesses these days was having money problems. Its always about the money.
Francesca Russo-Sabino
1:30 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thank God there were no injuries ~ buildings can be replaced, lives are forever gone. Ferraro's will rebuild! They are a wonderful family and a great asset to Westfield!
ej
3:27 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I am so grateful that all of the tenants were able to get out. Kudos to Gladys A for getting the rest of her neighbors out. That shows the true goodness and spirit of an altruistic person. God bless her, her family and all of the other tenants! ej
Elaine
4:53 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I live above the State Farm office and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Westfield Police Department for banging on and banging down doors to make sure everyone (pets included) got out safely. Also, thank you to all responding fire departments, rescue squad, staff at The Office & Best Western & everyone else who gave us support in the midst of this tragedy. We are thankful to be alive!
Southide W
4:55 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Elaine, what a terrific message! Glad to hear that people were able to lend aid and that you and all the other occupants are safe.
Mike smelling
4:57 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Someone will eventually be arrested for this fire.. Wait and see.
Kara
6:07 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
This is very sad, I cried when I heard this..My prayers are going out to the Ferraros and Murrays...They will rebuild and we will go back and enjoy the delicious food and Great atomsphere that this GREAT restaurant is known for!!
Kara Chambliss
Erin Gloor
9:19 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
After my boyfriend ran in Westfield he found Ferraros and brought be there later that summer. It is by far my favorite restaurant, I love the food, the service, the environment is absolutely exquisite! I am happy to hear no one was injured and I am looking forward to seeing them rebuild it.
NJ Taxpayer
10:25 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I figured one of these guys would spread the "Union" propaganda to the news about not having enough firefighters. The fire is across the street from the firehouse and they had to call in 16 other fire departments to put this thing out. This is what it took for these guys to put this thing out...Westfield, Cranford, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Millburn, Linden, Kenilworth, Garwood, Springfield, Roselle, Summit, Plainfield, South Plainfield, New Providence and Hillside!!
John Hawley
10:56 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
What a bummer...my favorite restaurant in New Jersey! Had a few Christmas Eve dinners there and a ton of great memories. Build it back!!!
John Loconsolo
12:09 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
It seems like most people are saying how they feel bad for the Ferraro's and Murray's, but they have insurance, they have money and they will be okay. If you want to worry about people, worry about all the un-salaried workers who now have no income, who were probably living paycheck to paycheck. It is a shame that Ferraro's burned down. My parents really like this place and are weekly diners, but I have no doubt that they will rebuild and reopen. They are a vital part of the downtown Westfield experience. I also wonder if they will operate a temporary restaurant at Ferraro's South for the time being.
23024
9:09 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
It was a same to hear the news of this fire..Thank God no one was injured or killed....Hats off the the WFD for doing their best with what they had to work with....Mutual AId was a big help in preventing this from being worse.
My heart goes out to the Ferraro family....I wish them the best...Many a friday night did we have a pie from here..
David Eardley
3:43 pm on Friday, May 6, 2011
My son and I come to Ferraros every Tuesday for dinner. We were both saddened to hear about the fire but thankful that know one was seriously injured. The Ferraro family and staff have always been so incredible to my son and myself over the years. Our hearts and thoughts are with the Ferraro family during this difficult time. But we know that someday soon we will be once again sitting outside, eating the wonderful food , and laughing as usual with your staff and family.
Elaine
2:10 pm on Sunday, May 8, 2011
While this is a tragic event for the restaurant and its employees, please remember that the people from the above apartments are now homeless and will have to rebuild their lives. One family has a 7 year old daughter and a dog, the other family has two dogs. It would be nice if the Westfield community and local businesses could offer gift cards, support, etc. That would speak volumes. I happen to live next door and know these very nice people. They are beyond grateful for the support we have shown them thus far. The local Red Cross is in contact with them if you would like to lend a hand.
Chas Krolfof
8:49 pm on Sunday, May 8, 2011
Ferraro's has been part of the foundation of Westfield for all the decades we have lived here and the site of many wonderful discussions with family, friends, and associates. We are grateful that there was no loss of life and are appreciative of the firefighters who battled this blaze. I know that our entire community will support Ferraro's as they rebuild for the future.
Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff
John Doe
10:46 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Westfield Fire Dept is one of the best. It is sad the town fathers don't understand it is an incomplete department and more could have been done with proper staffing to save even more of Ferraro's. Those on duty did a fantastic job considering they were behind before they started. I hope Ferraro's comes back better then ever and I also hope this is a wake up call to the town fathers STOP CHANCEING LIFE AND PROPERTY for dollars. Westfield taxes should cover F.D and P.D prior to anything.
The risk "theirs" to save "yours". SO STOP SITTING ON "IT" AND GET "IT" MOVING TO REPLACE THE RETIRED AND DECEASED. Best of luck to the entire Ferraro family.
Denis
9:49 pm on Friday, May 13, 2011
An enormous thank you to the fire fighters and police for risking their lives and also a huge thank you to the community for reaching out and helping those that lost their homes in the fire.