Four Paterson firefighters taken to hospital after responding to fire at alleged K2 drug production facility
By Jayed Rahman
Published: August 6, 2020
Four firefighters were taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center by ambulance early Thursday morning after responding to a basement fire on Illinois Avenue.
Firefighters were overtaken by fumes after going down to the basement, said public safety director Jerry Speziale. Firefighters had responded to a single-alarm fire at 161 Illinois Avenue at about 1 a.m.
Speziale said firefighters found large bins of vegetation, acetone, and flavors in the basement.
“What it appears to be is a K2 mill,” said Speziale.
K2/Spice is a dangerous synthetic marijuana substance that contains mind-altering chemicals.
Fire officials called in the Passaic County Hazmat Unit and informed the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The public safety director said firefighters were treated and released from the hospital. They were taken off the tour and sent him thereafter, he said.
A family of five and a family of six were displaced from the house, said the director.
Speziale said the police narcotics unit is on the scene investigating the drug production facility.
Illinois Avenue is a quiet residential street close to School 25 in the Lakeview neighborhood.
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