Write-up and photos by Ron Jeffers
An elderly resident was killed and two firefighters injured when a fast-moving fire tore through a 2 1/2-story, wood-frame dwelling in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on the morning of January 27, 2013.
A second-alarm was quickly transmitted for mutual aid fire companies and a Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST). Firefighters located the resident in a first-floor bedroom and removed him from the building. Firefighters and police officers performed CPR on the victim who was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where he was pronounced D.O.A.
“Hoarder” conditions inside the building and a frozen fire hydrant impeded firefighting operations. All members were ordered out of the structure and a defensive operation was established.
Carlstadt Firefighter Richard Bartlett was setting up a secondary water supply when a vehicle hit a hose, when then struck the firefighter. He suffered fractures to his arm and wrist area. An East Rutherford firefighter was treated for minor burns and released.
Fire quickly rose to the upper floors and broke through the roof. Around 75 firefighters operated at the scene with numerous area ambulance squads.
About 15 minutes after a utility worker shut off the power to the building, the rain gutter collapsed where he was working. There were no injuries during this event.
The fire is under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
