Faulty AC Unit Determined Cause of Office Building Smoke Condition

UPDATE 8:15 p.m. Hasbrouck Heights volunteer fire department determined that the cause of smoke condition at the Heights Plaza office building on Terrace Avenue was caused by a malfunction in the air conditioning unit located on the roof of the building, according to fire chief Kevin Todd.

The chief explained the department responded to a call about heavy smoke at the building. The building was evacuated and upon arrival they found a light smoke condition on the third floor.

Once on site they learned a partial power failure had occurred at the building shortly before the smoke started, Todd said which it is believed was caused by a main power line which went down on nearby on East Pleasantview Avenue in Hackensack. Todd said the loss of power to the unit caused it to malfunction which sent smoke into the building.

Todd said the air conditioning unit has been shut down and the building maintenance was now on site.

Fire trucks from Wood-Ridge, Moonachie, Little Ferry and Carlstadt were all on scene.

Bergen County police and Hasbrouck Heights police were also on the scene directing traffic as part of the roadway had been shut down.

Traffic was backed up well into Hackensack as cars on Terrace Avenue travelling towards Heights were detoured right near the entrance to Route 80 east. Terrace Avenue travelling north towards Hackensack was down to one lane.