Six Firefighters Hurt in Tire Shop Fire on Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ

Hawthorne, NJ (September 2, 2026) – Six firefighters were taken to the hospital Tuesday morning, September 1, after being overcome by smoke while battling a large blaze at a tire shop on Goffle Road.

The fire broke out at Hawthorne Tire Company and quickly grew to a fourth-alarm blaze, which drew additional crews to help contain it. Flames spread from the first floor through a basement level and up into second-floor apartments before burning through the roof.

The firefighters from the Hawthorne Fire Department were treated for smoke inhalation and have since been released, with all expected to recover fully. 

The blaze also destroyed a pair of second-floor apartments and displaced about 10 residents who are now receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

Investigators continue to work to determine what sparked the flames. 

We're glad to hear the injured firefighters are on the road to recovery, and our thoughts are with the displaced families. 

Can Firefighters Access Workers' Compensation After Being Injured on Duty in Hawthorne, NJ?

Yes; firefighters in Hawthorne are covered by New Jersey's workers' compensation system, which provides medical treatment and wage replacement benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty, including smoke inhalation, burns, and respiratory damage. 

This coverage generally applies regardless of fault, which means a firefighter does not need to prove negligence by the department or a third party to receive benefits.

Smoke inhalation injuries can be more serious than they first appear, and it can sometimes lead to lingering respiratory issues, lung damage, or complications that surface days after exposure. 

It is important for firefighters to seek follow-up medical evaluations even after being released from the initial treatment since, as mentioned before, some conditions develop gradually and may require ongoing monitoring or specialized pulmonary care.

New Jersey's workers' compensation system typically covers medical expenses, a portion of lost wages during recovery, and, in cases involving permanent injury, additional disability benefits. 

However, complications can arise when a claim is disputed, when the extent of a respiratory injury isn't immediately clear, or when a third party's negligence may have contributed to the incident. In situations like that, a workers' compensation attorney can help determine whether a separate third-party claim might be available in addition to standard workers' compensation benefits.

Firefighters navigating a workers' compensation claim don't have to sort through the process alone. At Metro Law, we are available to answer questions about how these claims typically work and walk you through the process based on the details of your case. 

You can call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to talk through your situation with our team and learn more about your options.