EAST ORANGE, NJ - A blaze that originated in the basement of a large two-and-a-half story frame multi-family home slowly worked its way through the walls to burn off the roof, but caused no injuries on the night of November 29th.

Just before 11:00 P.M., companies were dispatched to 42 Arsdale Terrace for a reported fire. Light smoke was showing on arrival. Companies entered the structure, found a working basement fire, and a signal 11 was transmitted.

Flames had already extended through the balloon frame walls, and the smoke condition increased. A second-alarm was sounded and as conditions deteriorated, all members were ordered out of the building. After regrouping, companies re-entered and began opening up. For about one hour conditions remained the same. Medium smoke was showing from all parts of the large home.

At one point, heavy fire vented out of a second floor window on the 'D' side, but that was quickly knocked down. Shortly after fire broke through the roof towards the rear and the smoke condition worsened dramatically. Companies were once again removed and operations went defensive.

Three elevated master streams, and eventually Millburn’s Tower 2 were put into operation, as well as several hand lines and a Blitz Fire. Heavy fire vented out of the front attic windows and the roof was slowly consumed. Two task forces were requested to the scene. Mutual aid from Maplewood, Millburn, South Orange, Bloomfield, and Irvington worked at the scene.