Englewood, NJ - An explosion of unknown origin blew out part of the front wall, all of the rear wall, and collapsed much of the roof of an Englewood commercial building and started a four-alarm fire on December 2, 2020.

Shortly after 8:30 A.M., a huge explosion struck a one-story brick building at 41 Bancker St., causing flames to erupt throughout the structure. Englewood fire units arrived shortly thereafter and transmitted a third-alarm. The building was vacant, but the attached two-story business was evacuated as well as many surrounding buildings. Flames severely threatened the attached business.

As mutual aid companies arrived, companies quickly stretched into the two-story section to halt the spread of the flames. Several hand lines were placed into service. Four elevated master streams also hit the fire. Englewood Truck 1 and Hackensack Ladder 1 operated in the front of the building while Tenafly Tower 2 was positioned in the rear. Bergenfield flowed over the exposure 2 building from a parking lot. A fourth-alarm was transmitted for additional recourses.

By about 10:00 A.M., the fire had darkened down and the smoke condition was lessening. The fire was placed under control at approximately 11:00 A.M. The fire was mostly contained to the one-story structure, which was completely gutted and the roof was completely collapsed. Companies were able to keep any extension to the two-story to a minimum.

No injuries were reported and the cause was yet to be determined. Later in the day pumps were requested to assist in water removal and light towers for the investigation that would last after dark.