Firefighter Hospitalized After Battling 3-Alarm Blaze In North Jersey

Good Samaritans rescued two dogs from the burning home, officials said.

By Jack Slocum, Patch Staff

Jul 28, 2026 11:35 AM EDT

Several agencies responded to the house fire, which took more than three hours to extinguish. (Jefferson Township Fire Department Company 1)

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — One firefighter was injured this week while battling a blaze at a Passaic County home, officials said.

On Monday, around noon, fire crews were called to a home on Oak Ridge Road in West Milford on reports of a three-alarm fire, officials said.

Several fire departments responded to the engulfed home. Officials said the house was empty upon arrival, and neighbors had already rescued dogs that were trapped in the home.

While no people were inside at the time of the fire, neighbors were able to rescue two dogs that were trapped in the burning home. (West Milford Fire Department)

The blaze took roughly three hours to extinguish, and the home was left completely destroyed. Neighboring homes sustained heat damage, officials added.

During the response, one firefighter suffered minor injuries and was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to fire officials.

"Although we never like to see this, we're grateful that no lives were lost," a West Milford Fire Department statement read. "The house can be rebuilt, and new memories can be made."

The home was completely destroyed following the 3-alarm blaze. (West Milford Fire Department)

The West Milford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.

A GoFundMe has been launched to support the Vecchio family after they lost their home. The fundraiser, which has garnered more than $10,000 so far, will go towards temporary housing, clothing, household essentials, pet supplies, and "other unexpected expenses as they begin rebuilding their lives."