Debris Burning In 4-Story Westfield Building

WESTFIELD, NJ — A fire was reported at a 4-story building in Westfield on Saturday night.

On Feb. 17 at 8:41 p.m., the Westfield Fire Department went to the 400 block of South Ave East for an activated fire alarm.

The first Westfield Fire Department unit arrived on scene at 8:48 p.m., to find a 4-story residential over commercial building under construction, with alarms sounding.

Once inside, members encountered moderate smoke throughout the first floor. Crews found a pile of debris actively burning, said Westfield Fire Chief Michael Duelks.

The fire was extinguished without delay, generating a smoke condition on all floors of the building, said Duelks.

Union County Fire Mutual Aid companies were asked to help at Fire Headquarters to cover the town for additional calls. Off-duty personnel were also asked to help at Fire Headquarters.

The Westfield Police Department helped with traffic control, security, and securing the scene. No injuries were reported.

All Fire Department units cleared the scene at 10:33 p.m.

The fire was investigated by the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau. The cause of the fire was undetermined in nature at this time.

"The Westfield Fire Department reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure that your smoke alarms are tested monthly and are less than 10 years old," said Duelks.

For more information on fire safety, contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at
fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.

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