Explosion at Hillside body shop sparks fire, displaces families

The autobody shop is located on the corner of Maple and Conklin avenues in Hillside.

Tony Caputo

Oct 15, 2025, 4:15 PM

Updated 5 hr ago

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Firefighters continued to wash down hot spots in Hillside Thursday morning following a fire.
According to the mayor, an explosion inside a body shop caused a fire in the shop and ignited several vehicles.
The flames then spread to a neighboring shopping center and homes.
The Red Cross is assisting 19 people from six families with temporary shelter, food and other necessities.
Air quality may also be an issue, although there have been no specific updates concerning that just yet.