SOFD, Rescue Squad Assist Maplewood in Essex Avenue Fire

Maplewood Fire Department personnel quickly extinguished a house fire on Essex Avenue in Maplewood early Wednesday evening with the help of mutual aid from the South Orange and Millburn fire departments.

According to Maplewood Fire Captain Joseph Callaghan, a young teenage girl was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center for smoke inhalation by the South Orange Rescue Squad.

No firefighters were injured in the incident.

"It was unattended cooking by a young teen that was spreading rapidly from the kitchen to an attached hallway," said Callaghan. "The teen was able to run out of the house and suffered some smoke inhalation. She is doing okay."

Callaghan said the fire was kept to one room, but wanted to remind "everyone to go over cooking safety with their children." Residents can call the Maplewood Fire Department for information on cooking safety at 973-762-6500.