Verizon Building Roof Fire Placed Under Control

A pyrolization of wood surrounding the exhaust flue of a generator caused a roof fire at a Verizon switching station on Forest Avenue Thursday afternoon, Caldwell Fire Chief Tony Grenci said.

According to Grenci, smoke and flames were visible from the roof when units arrived at the unoccupied building at 9 Forest Ave., at about 1:10 p.m.  

With the assistance of the West Caldwell and Cedar Grove departments, the fire was placed under control within approximately five minutes, Grenci said.

Units remained at the site to investigate and found no further extension, while the Nutley Hazmat team arrived as a precaution, Grenci said. The chief said there was "minimal" damage to the roof and the scene was completely cleared at about 4 p.m.

The West Essex First Aid Squad and the Caldwell Police Department also provided assistance, while the Roseland and Essex Fells fire departments covered for the Caldwell department, Grenci said.