Maplewood Burger King Blaze Beaten Back By Firefighters

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - One firefighter was injured battling a blaze at the Maplewood Burger King Saturday morning, according to the Maplewood Fire Department.

According to authorities, the Maplewood Fire Department was summoned to the Burger King at 1833 Springfield Avenue shortly after 9 a.m. on the report of a structure fire.

Engine 32 was first on the scene and reported heavy smoke pushing from the roof and immediately requested a second alarm, officials said. The Engine 32 crew stretched a line into the smoke-filled building and reported fire in the ceiling with possible extension to the roof while Engine 34 crew stretched a backup line into the building as Tower Ladder 31 personnel began laddering the roof to check for extension, officials said.

Irvington Ladder 41 conducted a primary search which was negative and assisted suppression crews on the interior. South Orange and Millburn Fire Departments were also on the scene assisting with extinguishment and overhaul.

Due to an aggressive interior attack by firefighters, the bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly and extensive overhaul was performed, officials said.

The main body of fire was in the ductwork above a broiler and extended into the void space between a drop ceiling and metal roof decking. The fire appears to have started in the ductwork and the cause remains under investigation at this time, officials said.

South Orange Rescue Squad transported one Maplewood firefighter experiencing a medical issue to Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where he was treated and released a short time later, officials said.
Representatives from the Maplewood Health and Building Departments were on the scene to assess the damage and advise the business owners. A West Orange Fire Department engine, Union Fire Department engine and East Orange ladder truck provided coverage in Maplewood until Maplewood units returned to service after the completion of the incident, officials said.

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