Luckily for residents of a Clifton home, a police officer and a neighbor noticed flames and were able to evacuate them as the house quickly became fully involved.

Shortly before 9:00 PM on September 6^th, a Clifton police officer on patrol observed flames at 288 DeMott Avenue, a 2 ½ story dwelling. He quicky called it in to dispatch and with the help of a neighbor assisted the occupants out as the fire rapidly spread. As firefighters arrived the structure was involved on all floors on all sides and threatening the exposures. A defensive attack was immediately ordered and a second alarm was transmitted. The narrow street only allowed one rig at a time. Manpower pulled multiple lines off of Engine one to protect the exposures. Electrical service lines came down in front of the structure. 

A third alarm brought additional units to the scene. Two ladder pipes and a ground monitor were able to assist in knocking down the heavy exterior fire within fifteen minutes. Interior fire on the second floor and attic continued as well as smoke issuing from all floors. Operations remained defensive until about 9:30 when companies entered to open up and overhaul. The flames were held to the building of origin with exterior damage to the “D: exposure.

The fire is under investigation. No serious injuries were reported. Units from Paterson, Passaic, Nutley, Little Falls, Montclair, and Bloomfield assisted at the scene with another alarm level covering the firehouses.