At 10:08pm Saturday Evening with temperatures in the teens and gusty winds blowing, the members of Wyckoff's Bravest were called upon for a reported stucture fire on Wyckoff Avenue. Initial reports from the police stated that the occupants were reporting heavy smoke and fire in the residence and all occupants had evacuated the residence.
Chief Murphy #230 and DC Rose #239 responded into the scene. Upon arrival, Chief Murphy reported smoke coming from the residence and requested a NORCON Activation and a 2nd alarm assignment be dispatched. Further investigation determined that main body of fire appeared to be on the back side of the residence in the kitchen area.
Engine #231 (OIC BC Vanderplaat) quickly signed into service followed by Tower Ladder #241 (OIC FF. J. Ciampo), Engine #232 (OIC DC LoRusso), Engine #233 (OIC BC DeBlock) and the remainder of the Wyckoff Assignment.
Upon the arrival of Engine #231, BC Vanderplaat and his crew got two handlines stretched and made their way into the residence to locate the seat of the fire. Initial entry teams were met with heavy smoke and poor visibility due to a large portion of the fire being trapped behind the area around the kitchen cabinets. Crews from #231 were able to get water on the fire while crews from TL #241 assisted with ventilation.
Engine #232 was directed to lay in from a nearby hydrant bringing an additional water supply to the scene if needed. The crew was immediately put to work assisting in primary searches, securing utilities and get a third handling in operation. Remaining Wyckoff and mutual aid crews were put to work with additional overhaul and extensive salvage operations.
Mutual aid units on scene included Midland Park Engine #533, Waldwick TL #641, Franklin Lakes Engine #335, Oakland Rescue #1042, Hohokus FAST Team and a Ramsey FAST Team.
Due to an aggressive interior attack the fire was limited to the kitchen area and no further spread ocurred. Great job by all who helped out during the frigid conditions. All units were returned to service within 2 hours.
Special thanks to Wyckoff Ambulance Corp and the Wyckoff FD Ladies Auxiallary for coming out to assist.
Pictures courtesy of the Waldwick Fire Department.
http://wyckofffire.shutterfly.com/10220
http://waldwickfire.shutterfly.com/3545
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