On Friday afternoon, January 16, the Kenilworth Fire Department and Rescue Squad was dispatched as auto-aid to the 500 block of Willow Avenue for a reported structure fire. When Kenilworth Ladder Truck 3 got on the scene, Division 2 windows at the CD Corner building were displaying considerable smoke and fire. Crews searched the fire location and started fire suppression operations right away. The situation led to the incident being upgraded to a second-alarm assignment, which brought more personnel to the scene.

In less than an hour, firefighters collaborated with the Roselle Park Fire Department to contain the fire. Later, while overhaul work was underway, Kenilworth workers were tasked with using Roselle Park's ladder truck to ventilate the roof.