West Orange Fire Began When Mechanic ‘Saw A Flash’: Officials

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange authorities are investigating a structure fire on Harrison Avenue that allegedly began when a mechanic was working on a car repair.

According to West Orange municipal officials, the fire began around 4:55 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. A town spokesperson provided the following statement about the incident:

“The one-alarm fire started as a vehicle fire in a detached garage... Reports indicate that a mechanic was working on a minor repair to a vehicle when he heard and/or saw a flash. The fire soon communicated to another vehicle in the garage and into the structural members of the garage and up through an open stairwell to a loft above.”

West Orange fire officials had all companies operating at the scene for suppression and EMS operations. Mutual aid for “house coverage” at WOFD Fire Headquarters was provided by Orange, South Orange and East Orange. The fire was reported under control at 6:07 p.m., authorities said.

There were no civilian or emergency personnel injuries reported, officials said.

The fire is under investigation by officials from the West Orange Fire and West Orange Police Departments.

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File Photo: Cultura/Shutterstock (not the garage in above article)