Two Fire Fighters Sustain Minor Injuries in Fernwood Road Fire

Updated Dec. 1, 2011, 11 a.m.: A basement fire in a single-family dwelling on Fernwood Road near Parker Avenue went to a second alarm early Wednesday evening, resulting in two Maplewood fire fighters being sent to St. Barnabas Medical Center with minor injuries.

The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by Maplewood Fire Department personnel.

Sgt. David Cross of the Maplewood Police Department was on site and told Patch that Maplewood Fire investigators were still at work in the basement. All occupants of the house had safely escaped. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

One fire fighter fell through the floor to his waist and suffered some strains and bruising. The other was injured by a piece of falling glass and required a few stitches. Both men were treated and released from St. Barnabas last night.

According to Maplewood Fire Capt. Kevin Hayes of Engine 32, Maplewood Rescue 36 (an ambulance) was committed to another call and was delayed, creating the need for the quick second alarm. South Orange, Millburn, Irvington and Orange fire and emergency personnel assisted at the scene.