At approximately 5:30 a.m. on January 9, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department was dispatched to the Hilton Hotel for a reported fire alarm activation. Elevated carbon monoxide readings were observed by first-arriving units throughout the facility. Ventilation procedures were started and the entire hotel was evacuated as a precaution. A second alarm and support from the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management fan unit were sought due to the magnitude of the occupancy and the extent of the situation. As personnel prepared for a prolonged operation, firehouse coverage was also arranged.

After responding, PSE&G representatives discovered that a broken boiler in the basement was the cause of the carbon monoxide. Before the situation stabilized, fire departments worked on the area for around three hours.