MONTAGUE, NJ – Despite the call location being at the far end of their district, Montague Fire Department arrived quickly at the scene of a house fire on Sunday morning, October 16th, and was able to get a fast start on the fire. They were promptly followed by other departments that were requested in a second-alarm call placed by MFD Chief Ryan Riegel as he was driving to the scene.

The fire, believed by officials to be electrical in nature, began at about 9:45 A.M. in a single-family home located on River Road, Montague. Riegel said he immediately placed the call for additional help when he saw the column of smoke in the distance.

“Whoever placed the 9-1-1 call allowed us to get a quick jump on it,” Riegel said. “Montague engine was first on scene and able to get a line in to knock it down. Port Jervis’ ladder was next, and with an aggressive attack we were able to confine the fire and damage. Others on scene assisted with hot spots and overhaul.”

Riegel said after placing the 9-1-1 call, someone had tried to get a garden hose in the window, but the fire would not have been able to be stopped with just a hose. It started on one side of the house, in a bottom bedroom, but traveled through a wall to the upper floor and attic.

All residents and pets were safely out of the home when firefighters arrived.

NJ, NY, and PA departments assisted with the call, including (from NJ) Montague, Sandyston, Branchville, Frankford, and Wantage, Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, and New Jersey State Police; (from NY) Port Jervis, Huguenot, Sparrowbush, and Greenville; (from PA) Westfall and Milford.