Elderly Woman Rescued From Burning Building In Hopatcong

HOPATCONG, NJ — Hopatcong police officers and firefighters rescued a bedridden woman from her burning home Wednesday night, Hopatcong police said.

The fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. in an Elba Avenue home. Thick black smoke trapped an elderly woman, who was bedridden and on oxygen, inside, police said.

Police officers James Still and Anthony Cirri attempted to crawl into the home to rescue her, but were stopped by the smoke and had to turn around, police said.

Officer Nick Maresca heard the woman yelling from the living room, and was able to pull the bed towards the front door. He "went down," police said, and was rescued by Cirri. Police were still unable to rescue the woman from the home.

Firefighters soon arrived, and were able to pull the woman from the home. EMS took her to the hospital, where she was treated for smoke inhalation.

Still and Maresca was also treated for smoke inhalation.

"Until you hear a person screaming for help from a burning building you cannot pass judgment on these officers for going inside. They are nothing short of heroes. In this day and age it is a rare to put someone's life before your own. Police Officers, First Responders, Firemen, EMT's and military personnel know this. I praise these Officers and Firemen for their courage and gallant efforts to save this woman’s life," Hopatcong Police Chief Tom Kmetz said.

The fire does not appear to be suspicious.

Hopatcong Police Department, Hopatcong Ambulance Squad, Lakeland Ambulance Squad, and Netcong Fire Department RIT Team, and the Sussex County Fire Marshal's office all assisted at the scene.

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