Passaic, NJ — Just after 2:00 p.m. on July 3rd, with temperatures in the 90s, Passaic police received a call from a resident reporting that her air conditioner was on fire. Fire units were immediately dispatched to the scene. Shortly after, the police desk began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the fire.

Upon arrival, the Battalion Chief encountered heavy smoke and confirmed an active fire, immediately calling for a second alarm. Within minutes, the entire front porch was fully engulfed in flames.

Truck 1 arrived and began setting up, but operations were hindered when a power line from the house burned through and dropped onto the truck. The wire was live, prompting an urgent request for PSE&G to respond.

Multiple hand lines were deployed, and crews quickly knocked down much of the exterior fire to gain entry. Once inside, firefighters were met with hoarding conditions, which significantly hampered suppression efforts. The fire had already spread to the second floor, making access and control even more difficult.

The home was a total loss. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The scene was turned over to the Passaic Fire Investigation Team to determine the cause of the fire. Mutual aid from Paterson, Clifton, East Rutherford, and Wallington assisted on the scene, while other neighboring towns provided coverage at Passaic's firehouses.

It took firefighters over an hour and a half to bring the blaze under control.