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Photos and report by Peter Danzo
Just after 14:30 hours on November 3, River Edge (NJ) firefighters were toned out for a report of a house fire at 863 Bogert Road.
While en route, Assistant Chief Schultz was advised by dispatch that police units on scene reported a heavy smoke condition in the home. On arrival he reported heavy smoke showing and declared a working fire. Automatic mutual aid was dispatched from Oradell and New Milford and command upgraded the assignment to a second alarm bringing a FAST team from Hackensack.
Three handlines were put into operation and the truck company went to the roof to ventilate, however the fire was well advanced and was running the floors as well as the walls to the attic. Within 15 minutes fire was showing from the soffits surrounding the home at the first floor level and also through the vent holes on the roof.
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With no progress being made and conditions deteriorating, command sounded the evacuation signal and requested a third alarm. Several outside handlines, one ladder pipe, and one deck gun were put into operation as heavy fire was now throughout the attic. After one additional attempt at an interior attack, companies were again removed as the attic lit up again.
After about one hour, all visible fire was knocked down and companies went back in for overhaul. The fire was placed under control at the one hour and 20 minute mark with companies remaining on the scene for another two hours mopping up. No injuries were reported and the cause was determined to be a plumber doing work in the home.
The borough of River Edge is located in Bergen County in northern New Jersey, not far from New York City.
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