Dryer Fire Damages Stonybrook Road Home

A dryer fire in the basement of a Stonybrook Road home Wednesday afternoon caused "heavy smoke damage" throughout the West Caldwell residence, Deputy Fire Chief James Alvine said.

According to Alvine, the elderly resident of the home at the corner of Stonybrook Road and Oates Terrace opened the basement door after smelling smoke. Once the door was opened, the woman immediately went outside as smoke engulfed the entire interior of the residence, Alvine said.

When the fire department arrived at about 1:30 p.m., there was smoke throughout the house and flames emanating from a dryer in the basement, Alvine said.

After the fire was placed under control and contained to the dryer, firefighters needed to ventilate the home for about 15 to 20 minutes because of the heavy smoke, Alvine said. The gas and electric service to the home was also shut off and later reactivated, Alvine said.

West Caldwell Police closed Stonybrook Road between Central Avenue and Annin Road and a Caldwell Fire Department truck responded as backup, Alvine said. The scene was cleared at about 2:45 p.m., Alvine said. 

The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but the resident said the dryer was very old, Alvine said.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to confirm the fire did not spread into the walls, Alvine said. There was heavy smoke damage throughout the home, but it could have been worse, Alvine said.

"Another five minutes and it could have been a really bad fire," Alvine said. "The woman opened the basement door and the smoke hit her in the face. The smoke spread, causing damage throughout the home."