Kitchen Fire Displaces Westfield Residents In Multi-Family Home

WESTFIELD, NJ — A multi-family home was displaced after a kitchen fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon.

On Jan. 16 at 2:17 p.m., the Westfield Fire Department responded to the report of a fire in a structure on the 700 block of South Ave West.

Westfield firefighters arrived at 2:21 p.m. to find a 2 ½ story multi-family dwelling, with smoke showing from the first floor, said Chief Michael Duelks.

The Westfield Police Department helped to evacuate the home before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters then began to search for the main body of fire. The fire was located and extinguished with overhaul operations to limit additional fire spread, said Duelks.

Off-duty personnel stayed at the Fire Headquarters to cover the town for additional calls. Along with the evacuation, the Westfield Police Department helped with traffic. The Westfield Rescue Squad helped in providing firefighter rehabilitation.

No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was requested to the scene to help relocate residents.

The fire was investigated by the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature.

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

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