FAIR LAWN, NJ - On February 24th, a three-alarm fire damaged a Fair Lawn residence. The Fair Lawn Fire Department was dispatched at 2:24 P.M. to a report of a structure fire on the 6th block of 5th Street.

 

Arriving first, Engine 3 used their deck gun to knock the fire down from the outside before entering the building. A second-alarm was transmitted, and then a third-alarm was later transmitted to provide additional manpower and coverage to the Borough.

 

Companies had fire on the first and second floors of the dwelling where hand lines went into operation. Power lines burned off the home and fell to the ground, hampering operations. During the course of the blaze, companies encountered water supply issues as mutual aid engines were brought to the scene. Quint 2 went into operations to knock the fire that made its way to the attic area.  

 

“We encountered heavy fire upon our arrival. The members did a great job knocking the fire down using deck guns before entering the building,” said Fair Lawn Fire Department Assistant Chief Ralph Rinaldo. “We mounted a very aggressive attack, but unfortunately due to the fast-moving fire, we were unable to save the residents' three cats.”

 

The fire, which was extinguished after about an hour, caused extensive damage to the building. There were no injuries to residents or to firefighters.

 

In addition to the Fair Lawn Fire Department, Fair Lawn Police, Fair Lawn Rescue Squad, Fair Lawn Office of Emergency Management, and the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided assistance on scene. The Saddle Brook and Elmwood Park Fire Departments also assisted with manpower on the scene. Standby mutual aid was provided by the Glen Rock, Hawthorne, and Paramus Fire Departments.

 

The fire brought approximately 45 firefighters to the scene, and is under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau.