Firefighters had to contend with gusting winds during a fast-moving fire on February 14, 2025, in Leonia, New Jersey.
Around 8:30 a.m., local volunteer firefighters were toned out for a fire at the Grand Avenue complex. The dispatcher also reported to incoming unit that calls were received reporting that people were trapped. Firefighters were greeted by heavy fire and smoke upon arrival, and mutual-aid fire companies were called to the scene.
Later, Chief of Department John Dunn informed the media that the fire appeared to have started in a ground floor garage. An interior door was left open, allowing the fire to extend to apartments. In addition, a car parked outside of a garage was fully involved in flames. Firefighters began an interior attack and search of the building. It was later discovered that the report of people trapped was unfounded.
With the heavy volume of fire and high winds, flames ignited the town house on the other side of a courtyard shared by both buildings, officials said. As fire was consuming both structures, command issued an evacuation order and established a collapse zone.
Firefighters began a defensive attack, using three ladder pipes and two tower ladders around the complex. Fire burned through the roof, and several sections of the buildings collapsed.
With the temperature around 30°, the local department of public workspersonnel covered the streets with rock salt to prevent slip-and-fall injuries to first responders.
Fire victims were taken to a local center and assisted by borough officials and the Red Cross. It was reported that one person was taken to an area hospital. Firefighters recovered several pet birds in their cage and took took them out to safety. More than 30 people were displaced.
The fire was placed under control around noon, however, firefighters remained at the scene locating hot spots until the early evening. At 6:55 p.m., the incident was terminated and a demolition crew were on the scene ready to take down the remains of the structures.
During the cold and windy day, rehab stations were set up by the Teaneck Box 54 Club and the Bergen Countywide rehab unit.
Mutual-aid companies that operated at the multiple-alarm fire came from Teaneck, Englewood, Fort Lee, Cliffside Park, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Edgewater, Englewood Cliffs, and Hackensack.
