ORADELL — Firefighters from Westwood and Emerson were among the mutual-aid responders who assisted Oradell emergency crews during a two-alarm house fire that destroyed a single-family home at 43 Poplar Ave., authorities said.
Oradell Police Chief David L. Gangemi said officers Kevin Bernal and Luke Fisher arrived at 6:21 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, confirmed that the 83-year-old homeowner, John Pietranera, had safely exited, and determined no one else was inside. Police alerted nearby residents and advised them to watch for embers that could ignite on surrounding properties. Responders also monitored Pietranera for signs of smoke inhalation or medical distress and helped ensure he stayed warm, Gangemi said.
The Oradell Fire Department responded at 6:28 p.m., with Fire Chief Terry Moran establishing a command post as mutual aid arrived, including crews from Westwood and Emerson, along with departments from River Edge, New Milford, and Paramus, authorities said.
Moran said the likely cause was embers from a fireplace in a family room. The homeowner reported the fireplace had been in use and that smoke was backing up into the house, he said.
Firefighters battled what Moran described as a “stubborn fire” in high winds and frigid temperatures that froze water nozzles, according to the chief. The fire was extinguished at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and the home was turned over to the homeowner and a local contractor who boarded up the residence. Pietranera is staying with family members in town, officials said.
Neighbors reported a rekindle at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, and when firefighters returned they found the house fully engulfed, Moran said. Oradell again requested mutual aid Sunday from departments in Dumont, Bergenfield, Haworth, and Teaneck, officials said.
The fire was extinguished a few hours later, and utility companies were called to cut electric, gas, and water service before the remains of the house were razed, authorities said.
Mayor James Koth, who also responded as a firefighter, praised first responders who he said “worked through some of the most adverse conditions imaginable” amid near-zero temperatures and high winds. Koth said the borough will do what it can to assist the resident.
“It’s a horrible tragedy to lose your home and your possessions,” Koth said. “Oradell is a close knit, caring community and I am sure friends and neighbors will assist the homeowner in his time of need, I will make sure the borough assists in any way we can.”
— Press release, forwarded by Thom Ammirato,
reorganized to lead with contribution of Emerson and Westwood fire departments