Firefighters from across northern Bergen County converged on Woodland Road after heavy fire took possession of the upper floors and attic of a two-story residence, bringing numerous mutual-aid companies into the operation.

The incident began at approximately 3:43 p.m. on August 11, 2026, in Demarest, New Jersey, when police received reports of a house fire with possible occupants trapped. First-arriving officers encountered a well-involved residence with heavy fire showing from the second floor. Demarest Police Chief Frank Visaggio and Lt. Joseph Del Greco entered through a side door and conducted a search of the first floor before extreme heat, heavy smoke and falling debris forced them to withdraw. The resident later arrived and confirmed the home was unoccupied.

Cresskill firefighters were among the first fire companies to arrive, followed by crews from Demarest, Haworth and Harrington Park. Firefighters encountered heavy fire throughout the second floor and attic. An exterior knockdown was initiated using a deck gun while additional crews prepared for interior operations.

With conditions requiring additional manpower and apparatus, a second alarm was transmitted, followed by a third as fire continued to extend through the upper portion of the residence and vent through the roof. Crews stretched multiple handlines through the front and side entrances and advanced into the structure while additional firefighters conducted searches.

The main body of fire was knocked down in approximately 30 minutes, but companies remained committed for an extended period conducting overhaul, checking concealed spaces and extinguishing remaining hot spots.

The regional mutual-aid response included firefighters from Demarest, Cresskill, Haworth, Harrington Park, Closter, Norwood, Northvale, Dumont, Tenafly, New Milford, Oradell and Alpine. Companies assisted with fireground operations or provided coverage as the incident progressed.

Dumont Rescue 3 and command personnel responded on mutual aid and were put to work after arriving. Dumont firefighters assisted with stretching the initial hoseline and were assigned to primary-search operations as crews worked against significant fire conditions on the second floor and in the attic.

Oradell Tower 21 was also assigned to the incident, with its crew primarily supporting overhaul operations. Firefighters checked walls, ceilings and concealed spaces for hidden extension and remaining hot spots before Tower 21 was released after approximately two hours of operations.

Four first responders were transported to Englewood Hospital for smoke exposure. Demarest Police Chief Visaggio, Lt. Del Greco, Officer Kyle Polo and a Haworth firefighter were treated and later released.

The fire left the residence uninhabitable and also damaged two neighboring properties. The American Red Cross assisted one displaced resident with immediate needs while fire crews continued suppression, overhaul and scene stabilization into the evening.

The multi-department response brought together companies from throughout the area for both fireground operations and coverage assignments. The cause of the three-alarm fire was listed as undetermined, with investigators indicating that it was not believed to be suspicious.