At 1310 hrs, the Bergenfield FD was dispatched on a general alarm assignment to 175 E. Church St. for a report of smoke in the house. Deputy Chief Kniesler (DC1) arrived first and reported smoke showing and Lt. Kirsch (13) confirmed heavy fire showing from the second floor of a 2.5 story 2 family wood frame structure. Chief Byrnes (740) arrived shortly after and assumed command of the fire.
Members made entry into the structure and made an aggressive attack on the fire on the second floor and as they were making a push to the attic the stairs gave way. Once an alternative means to the attic was established members pushed into the attic and were able to extinguish the fire. Primary and secondary searches were conducted and turned up negative.
Englewood’s ladder and engine were special called directly into the scene and immediately put to work venting the roof. The Englewood units were in town and had just completed training at the Bergenfield training center. Mutual aid units from Teaneck and Dumont were called to the scene and went to work along with New Milford for a R.I.C. team.
When the third alarm was struck engines from Hackensack and Bogota along with a Ridgefield Park truck responded to cover the town and took in a run while covering. The BVAC and Box 54 were on scene providing rehab and refreshments to the members.
Extensive overhaul was needed and the fire was investigated by Bergenfield fire investigation team and pending their final report, the fire seems to be accidental in nature.
Chief Byrnes said he was extremely pleased with the great job his members did and wanted to thank all of the mutual aid units that assisted in the operation. He also wanted to thank the members of the BVAC, BPD and Box 54 for their assistance as well. There were no injuries reported and units were back in service by 1810 hrs.
Please visit Brett Dzadik's website at http://www.brettsfirephotos.smugmug.com/ to see pictures from the fire.
