HAWTHORNE, NJ - Firefighters battled a stubborn blaze Sunday night, November 21st, that caused extensive damage and claimed the lives of four cats.

The Hawthorne police desk started receiving calls just after 7:00 P.M. for a reported house fire with heavy fire in the rear. Police officers arrived on scene within minutes and reported fire showing with possible entrapment inside. Chief Speranza confirmed the initial reports of a working house fire at 76 Victor Pl., with the rear of the house well involved and unconfirmed reports of people trapped.

A second-alarm was transmitted for cover, with the exception of Glen Rock to the scene as a FAST team. Engine 1 arrived on scene and stretched multiple hand lines to the rear of the house as well as through the front door. Tower 2 set up in front of the house as Engines 3 and 4 secured additional water supplies.

Firefighters were heavily engaged in searches of the home as well as an aggressive fire attack. All residents were brought to safety and handed over to EMS for evaluation. Crews were able to knock down the heavy fire in the rear, but flames had already extended into the attic. Tower 2 laddered the roof and made a vent hole as heavy smoke emitted from all parts of the attic. Heavy fire vented through the roof as well as the 'Delta' side attic window. Hand lines were able to knock down the heavy fire.

A third-alarm was requested to cover with an additional engine from Wyckoff to the scene. The fire was knocked down in about one hour. A total of four cats perished in the blaze, however both homeowners were able to escape with minor injuries. The home was deemed a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown, but currently under investigation.