FAIR LAWN, NJ - At approximately 2:30 A.M. on July 26^th, the Fair Lawn Fire Department was dispatched to 19-09 Fair Lawn Ave. for reported flames in the rear of the Green Dragon Restaurant. The restaurant was located at the west end of a one-and-a-half-story strip mall containing eight businesses. The first arriving Assistant Chief confirmed the working fire and transmitted a second-alarm.

Flames were through the roof of the restaurant as fire units arrived. A line was initially advanced to the interior through a rear door, but conditions deteriorated quickly, and fearing a collapse of the roof, which contained heavy machinery in the common cockloft, all members were withdrawn.  

Fire had possession of the restaurant and adjacent barber shop and was spreading across the rest of the structure through the common cockloft. Truck 1 and Quint 2 put elevated master streams in operation along with multiple handlines. Paterson Engine 3 was requested as the RIT Unit and Paramus Truck 1 was called to set up to halt the fire spread to the rest of the structure. This was successful, but all occupancies sustained at a minimum smoke and water damage. 

By 4:30 A.M., all visible fire had been knocked down and some companies began to be released. Extensive overhaul continued through the morning. The cause is under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau. No injuries were reported.