Fire Breaks Out in Microwave at Senior Community

A fire that started in a microwave oven damaged an apartment at a popular senior living complex in West Caldwell.

Though no one was injured, the West Caldwell Fire Chief said it is probably the worst fire at Crane's Mill, an upscale living complex which opened in 1998.

The fire was reported at 9:43 p.m. inside a first-floor apartment of a 100-resident two-story building at 459 Passaic Avenue. The fire burned a wall and cabinet of the kitchen, but did not spread. 

West Caldwell Police were first on the scene and put out the fire in the microwave where the resident had been heating something up. When firefighters arrived, they discovered the fire had spread behind the microwave.

“Fire traveled up into the cabinet area above, however was quickly extinguished,” according to West Caldwell Fire Chief James Alvine.

The fire did not damage any other apartments, but residents were evacuated while fire officials were on the scene and heavy smoke was vented out of the apartment and hallways.

“It was not even necessary, but we evacuated that wing just for safety precaution,” said Ralph Perri, head of maintenance at Crane’s Mill, on Wednesday.

He added that the resident put something in the microwave that "should not have been in there." 

The West Essex First Aid Squad was on the scene, attending to the occupant of the apartment and assisting firemen.

West Caldwell Police Officers Sgt. Daniel Gorman, Sgt. Declan Beere and Ptl. Greg Ruesch responded to the fire.

“This is probably the most severe fire we have had at Crane’s Mill since its construction,” according to Alvine.

Alvine said the fire has been deemed accidental.

About 400 seniors reside at Crane’s Mill.