ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ - Shortly before 4:30 A.M. on June 11th, the Englewood Cliffs Fire Department was toned out for a fire alarm at 495 Sylvan Avenue, a large two-and-a-half-story restaurant. Companies arrived to smoke pushing from the basement. A working fire was transmitted.

Heavy heat and dense smoke made advancing in the basement with few openings difficult. Additional mutual aid was requested for ventilation and fire suppression. Companies were withdrawn and a short defensive operation was initiated. The smoke condition subsided and members entered again, but the layout of the building made finding the seat of the fire difficult. 

More mutual aid was called in as the heat of the day began to take its toll. Several holes were made in the side of the structure to attempt to access the flames. A total of seven ladders were put up for access to the roof and for master stream operations after firefighters were backed out again. The first floor soon collapsed into the basement.

Additional companies were requested to the scene from across Bergen County. The defensive posture continued for several hours as heavy construction equipment was put to work dismantling the building so the flames could be quelled. Mutual aid began to be released and the fire was placed under control at about 8:00 P.M. 

The cause is being investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad. The initial cause is believed to be electrical. No serious injuries were reported, only a few minor heat related conditions.

Mutual aid units from Englewood, Tenafly, Fort Lee, Cliffside Park, Fairview, Teaneck, Ridgefield Park, Dumont, Bergenfield, New Milford, Haworth, Edgewater, Leonia, Palisades Park, Oradell, Emerson, Closter, Norwood, Harrington Park, and Westwood operated at the scene or provided coverage.