Story and photos by Peter Danzo
At around 14:00 hours on Sunday February 22, Clifton (NJ) Fire Alarm dispatched units to the area of 36 Miller Plaza for a reported working garage fire.
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While en route, companies reported a heavy smoke condition in the area. On arrival of Engine 5, they reported a working fire in an attached garage of a one-story ranch style dwelling.
With heavy fire venting from the garage, extending into the home and threatening the Delta exposure and with explosions occurring in the garage, believed to be from propane cylinders, E-5 hit the fire with their deck gun to darken it down.
Truck 2 arrived and initiated a primary search however firefighters were forced to abandon the search and all members were evacuated from the building as conditions rapidly deteriorated. No water supply had been established due to an inoperative hydrant.
A second alarm was requested as the home became heavily involved bringing all Clifton companies along with a Nutley truck company as the FAST team and a rescue from Elmwood Park. Additional mutual aid was called into the city for cover.
The fire was placed under control just before 16:00. No injuries were reported however the home was a total loss as well as a car in the garage and one in the driveway.
MORE PETER DANZO
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Glen Rock (NJ) Garage Fire with Extension
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- Crews Employ Defensive Attack at Rutherford (NJ) Fire
RELATED FIREFIGHTER TRAINING
- Propane Emergencies: Plan for Worst-Case Scenario
- PROPANE EXPLOSION: A CASE STUDY
- National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System: Propane Cylinders
- Common Gas with Uncommon Danger
