BOGOTA, NJ - On September 8th at about 3:30 P.M., just after another recent common line of extreme storms passed over most of Bergen County, the Bogota Fire Department was dispatched to 108 Walnut Ave. for smoke and flames showing from a home. Teaneck Squad 24, returning from a call in their township, observed a column of smoke from neighboring Bogota and also responded.

Companies arrived to heavy fire on the “B” side of a two-and-a-half-story frame dwelling extending from the basement to the attic. Vinyl siding on the “B” exposure was almost completely melted off and the home was smoking. A second-alarm was immediately transmitted, followed within five minutes by a third. It was reported that before the arrival of first responders, several residents were removed from the fire building, including one in a wheelchair.

Two lines were stretched in the front door, plus one to the rear and one to the “B” side. Bogota and Hackensack ladders accessed the roof and vented. Heavy fire was knocked down quickly, but clutter in the attic made hitting the fire there difficult. Within one hour, all visible fire was knocked down and the smoke condition was lightening. A fourth-alarm was sounded for cover assignments.

The initial cause is believed to be a lightning strike. One resident and one firefighter were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Companies from Teaneck, Ridgefield Park, Englewood, and Hackensack assisted at the scene.