LODI, NJ - Fire destroyed a home in Lodi during the early morning hours of August 27th. At approximately 4:12 A.M., the Lodi Fire Department was dispatched to 4 Blue Ridge Rd. on a reported outside fire. Before fire dept. arrival, neighbors notified the residents of the home that their house was on fire.

When Chiefs arrived, they had a fire in the rear of a two-story dwelling and the call was quickly rebroadcasted as a confirmed structure fire. A quick second-alarm was transmitted by Assistant Chief Mike Lotrz, bringing mutual aid companies from Saddle Brook, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights and Wallington to the scene.

Engine companies were hampered by water supply issues early in the fire. Flames quickly spread through the house as firefighters were forced into an exterior attack. Wallington Rescue, the original FAST, was put to work and then replaced by Carlstadt Rescue. Numerous outside lines as well as Rochelle Park Truck 1 operated to knock down the heavy fire conditions. A collapse of the roof eventually occurred.

The bulk of the blaze was knocked down within one hour. Additional mutual aid to cover Lodi firehouses came from Wood-Ridge, Maywood and Elmwood Park. EMS units from Lodi VAC and Hackensack stood by on scene, along with Lodi OEM reps and County Wide Rehab. The Lodi Fire Prevention Bureau was investigating the cause. No injuries were reported.