A four alarm fire totally consumed the Beth El Chabad Synagogue in Rutherford almost trapping the Rabbi and his family in the early morning hours of August 8^th. 

At about 2:45 AM 911 calls were received for a fire at 185 Montrose Ave.  The first due police unit radioed “have the FD step it up, the fire is spreading fast”,  First due fire units found the 100+ year old three story frame dwelling with additions in the rear heavily involved. The Rabbi and his family narrowly escaped the rapidly advancing flames. A second alarm was immediately requested and the first due engine was instructed to go to deck gun on arrival. The structure soon became fully involved. A third alarm was sounded for response to the scene and a fourth alarm to stand by at the Ames Ave, Firehouse. Members worked in a rear gymnasium to attempt to halt the spread.

A heavy ember condition was threatening nearby exposures as the fourth alarm companies were moved up to the scene to assist with long stretches. The front of the structure began to collapse and all members were withdrawn from the rear. A fifth alarm was transmitted for coverage to the firehouse. Three elevated master streams operated on the fire building along with numerous hand lines. By 4:00 the structure had completely collapsed and the intensity of the flames slowly diminished. Operations continued to well after daylight as mutual aid began to be released. Torah Scrolls and other religious items were lost. There were no reported injuries.

In 2012 the synagogue was firebombed and damaged, but a initial investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit,  Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms, and Police Detectives determined this fire was not intentionally set, but the investigation continues.