Moonachie, NJ - On May 18th at 4:39 P.M., the Moonachie FD was summoned for smoke coming from a home on Joseph Street. Moonachie Police Department Officer Sean Mulligan noticed the smoke during his patrol and alerted the MPD Dispatcher to dispatch the MFD.

Our units were on scene quickly and encountered a large amount of smoke and fire in the area above the ceilings, as well as the walls. Companies went to work conducting a primary search, fire attack and ventilation, as well as laddering the building. Four hoselines were stretched and put into operation.

Command requested a second alarm to the scene. This brought units from Wood-Ridge Fire Department, Little Ferry Fire Department, Carlstadt Fire Department, South Hackensack Fire Department and Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department. Additionally, a third alarm was called to cover the Borough. This brought units from Wallington Fire Department and East Rutherford Fire Department. The Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad assisted on scene.

Three firefighters sustained minor injuries, one of whom was transported to the hospital.

The cause of the fire was found to be accidental, and had to do with the use of a propane torch on a home improvement project.

(Special thank you to the Moonachie Fire Dept. for their assistance with this article.)