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BUSINESS FIRES IN
WESTWOOD HEIGHTEN FEARS OF MERCHANTS
Copyright 1983 The New York Times
January 26, 1983, Wednesday, Late City Final Edition
By LENA WILLIAMS, Special to the New York Times
In the third major fire in Westwood's business district in nine months, one store was destroyed Monday night and seven
others were damaged.
''Somebody's trying to burn down this town'' said Bob Gramegna, the co-owner of Bergen County Camera Inc., which
suffered smoke and water damage but was able to open for business today. ''You can't tell me this is mere
coincidence.''
''I could understand if it was just one fire maybe, but three?'' said Diane Renna, as she stood at the soot-covered
counter examining camera equipment.
''Of course, we're scared,'' said Patricia Daly, who owns a dance studio on Broadway, nearly three blocks away from
Westwood Avenue. "You just don't know where they may strike next.''
Nobody, however, was able to offer an explanation as to why anyone would want to set the fires. Last May, a fire
caused $2 million in damages and destroyed eight businesses. On Dec. 10, three adjacent stores were burned.
Although both fires were initially considered suspicious, neither has been ruled arson.
May Blaze Under Investigation
The December fire was caused by a short circuit in electrical wiring, according to fire officials and members of the
Bergen County Arson Task Force. An official with the task force said today that there was no reason to reopen
the investigation into that fire.
The May blaze is believed to have started in a dumpster behind the stores and is still under investigation, according to
Fire Chief Donald Fournier.
Although the cause of the latest general-alarm blaze has not yet been determined, several merchants along Westwood
Avenue - the site of all three fires - seemed convinced that it was suspicious. Similar doubts were expressed by some
of Westwood's residents.
Officials said they believed the fire started in the Army and Navy Store at 260 Westwood Avenue. Chief Fournier said
the building was in flames when firemen arrived. The fire was brought under control 25 minutes later, he said, but
firemen had to break through the roof of the stores adjoining the building to prevent the blaze from spreading.
The fires have left residents in this middle-class community 30 miles From New York City not only suspicious, but also
worried about the effect the incidents could have on the town's economy. Many of the businesses damaged by the first
two fires remain boarded up. There is a feeling that until the mystery surrounding the recent fires is solved, merchants
may be reluctant to rebuild their businesses.
''Everybody's a little panicky,'' the Chief said. He added that fires of the magnitude seen in the last year are
''very unusual'' in a town that normally has one major fire every three years. ''We don't know what to expect next,''
he said.
Police Patrols Increased
A few merchants, among them Tom Gramegna, who opened Bergen County Camera with his brother, Bob, three years
ago, said that they are considering installation of a sprinkler system.
Mr. Gramegna, who is treasurer of the local Chamber of Commerce, said that various merchants are considering the
offer of a reward for information that may lead to an arrest or that may shed some light on the rash of recent fires.
The idea, he said, had been previously discussed, but never seriously considered until today.
Anthony Heins, the Borough Administrative Clerk, said the Mayor and borough officials met with members of the Police
and Fire Departments tonight to discuss ways to aid in the rebuilding of the town's business district and to ease
community fears.
Police Chief John Cafaro said that patrols had been increased after the December fire and that four cars were patrolling
the area at the time of the fire Monday night. He said the department, which consists of 27 officers, would increase
patrols "as much as we can with the manpower available.''
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