LODI, NJ - At 5:50 P.M. on October 18th, the Lodi FD and police dept. communications center started to receive numerous phone calls reporting a house fire at 113 Westervelt Place.

While en route, Chief of Dept. Owen was notified that there were several calls reporting the fire, and Assistant Garzon reported smoke in the area upon his arrival. Capt. Justin Swank of Engine 612 confirmed a working fire from the firehouse (as hose 1's firehouse is located just down the street), with fire and heavy smoke visible.

Heavy fire on the first floor greeted first due units. A working fire dispatch was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid companies from Hasbrouck Heights, Garfield and a FAST team from Wallington to the scene. Fire was venting from several windows on the first floor of a two-story dwelling. Hand lines were put into operation and the heavy fire was quickly knocked down after about 20 minutes.

Several pets were rescued and safely returned to their owners. Mutual aid companies from Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook and Wood-Ridge provided coverage. The fire remains under investigation by the Lodi Fire Prevention Bureau.