HILLSDALE, N.J. — Firefighters from Hillsdale and surrounding communities battled a structure fire at 116 Piermont Ave. early Wednesday morning that resulted in six minor injuries, officials said.
The Hillsdale Fire Department was dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. June 3. Upon arrival, Chief Bill Farrell found the residence heavily involved in fire and requested a Working Fire Assignment, bringing mutual aid companies to the scene.
According to Farrell, crews operated in a defensive mode for approximately 25 minutes while master streams were used to knock down the bulk of the fire and prevent extension to nearby properties.
Mutual aid departments provided manpower, apparatus and water supply support throughout the incident.
The River Vale Fire Department responded with Engine 53, which established a water supply and assisted with fire suppression operations.
The Westwood Volunteer Fire Department responded on a Battalion 7 Box Alarm assignment. Westwood officials said Truck 1 arrived simultaneously with a Hillsdale apparatus and assisted in defensive firefighting efforts. Westwood crews remained on scene for approximately 2½ hours.
The Township of Washington Fire Department also responded to Hillsdale and stood by as the RIT, or rapid intervention team. Township units were on scene for approximately 2 hours. A RIT serves as a dedicated rescue crew for firefighters working in hazardous conditions, providing immediate support if a firefighter becomes trapped, lost, injured or runs out of air during an emergency.
Six minor injuries were reported and those injured were transported to local hospitals, according to Hillsdale fire officials.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Hillsdale Fire Department thanked the mutual aid agencies, Bergen County dispatchers, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers who assisted at the scene.