5 firefighters hurt in N.J. blaze

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HARRISON, N.J., March 10 (UPI) -- Five firefighters were injured Sunday when they were caught in an explosive backdraft while battling a five-alarm blaze in Harrison, N.J., authorities said.

The Jersey City firefighters' injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, though a battalion chief was bleeding from cuts he received from broken glass, WCBS-TV, New York, reported.

"When that glass blew out, he got it all in his face and his body," said Harrison fire Capt. Robert Gillen. "He was bleeding profusely."

The fire, which apparently started in a restaurant in a two-story, multi-use building, forced the rerouting of a St. Patrick's Day parade, WCBS-TV said.

WABC-TV, New York, reported the blaze likely started in the kitchen of a Mexican restaurant and quickly spread, engulfing the entire building, and one next to it.

WABC-TV said at least four families were displaced by the fire.