Many of the 300-400 displaced residents claim fire alarms in the building did not work, even when they pulled them.
PASSAIC -- Investigators are combing through records and recordings of emergency transmissions and 911 calls to determine if fire alarms were disabled during an eight-alarm blaze that ripped through a Gregory Avenue apartment building Wednesday.
Many of the 300-400 displaced residents claim fire alarms in the building did not work, even when they pulled them.
"We have the same statements and the same concerns from tenants that are being reported to you," Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost Sr. said Friday. "The investigation is ongoing."
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The blaze broke out shortly before 9 p.m. and quickly went to multiple alarms as firefighters scrambled to help evacuate residents. Portions of the roof collapsed on the building, which had about 60 apartments.
Investigators are waiting for information from the building's alarm company to determine the condition of the fire alarms. Trentacost was not sure when the building had last undergone a fire inspection.
Also at issue is whether the building had a sprinkler system.
Ray Lonabaugh, of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, says he doesn't think so.
"I can tell by looking at the photos this building was not sprinklered," Lonabaugh said. "When sprinklers are involved, fires do not get to this point."
The chief said sprinklers are not required by law.
While the fire department is investigating, their efforts have also gone toward cleanup, Trentacost said.
Trentacost said 700 gallons of water a minute from seven lines were poured for four hours into the building to douse the blaze.
"You can imagine the amount of cleanup that's involved," the chief said, adding that water was still being pumped out of the first floor on Friday morning.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.