SOFD Puts Out Garage Fire in Newstead

Below is from a report by South Orange Fire Chief Jeff Markey:

Dispatch received a report of a fire on North Woods Drive at about 7:47 p.m. Friday, and backup was requested from the Maplewood and Orange fire departments due to numerous calls on the reported blaze. A call was also sent out to off-duty South Orange firefighters, and five responded.

At about 7:52 p.m., firefighters arrived on the scene and observed a working fire in the garage that was extending into the house and possibly the roof. All five occupants of the home were accounted for and had self-evacuated. One engine company was instructed to take a hydrant and proceed in, while a truck was instructed to take a 1-3/4 inch line into the front door to conduct a search and cut off the fire from extending into the structure. A second line was taken from another engine and stretched to the garage side of the structure. An aggressive attack was begun from the interior and exterior, quickly knocking down the fire.    

The Maplewood engine was assigned to stretch a third line to the second floor to check for extension of the fire. The Orange engine was assigned as the FAST Team.  A South Orange engine and rescue company with the off-duty firefighters were assigned to overhaul to check for any hidden fire. Due to the fire damage, PSE&G was notified to disconnect electric and gas service to the house.

The Essex County Fire Coordinator was asked to back-fill South Orange fire headquarters with two engines and a truck. A truck company from East Orange, an engine company from Irvington and an engine from West Orange were brought into the South Orange Fire Department to cover the town.

At 8:20 p.m., the fire was ruled under control; all units were cleared from the scene at 12:55 a.m.

There was heavy fire damage to the garage, exterior of the house and underside of the roof. The rest of the house sustained heavy smoke and water damage. The origin of the fire was ultimately found to be in the garage. The cause is still undetermined, though the fire has been ruled accidental.

All five occupants are currently staying with friends.