LODI, NJ - A general alarm fire engulfed a two story brick private dwelling at 175 Saint Joseph Boulevard in Lodi on Thursday afternoon, June 4, 2009, around 2:15 p.m.
The Lodi police received a SPEN message from the Bergen County Police reporting a structure fire. As companies were dispatched, police units arriving confirmed a working fire.
First arriving Lodi Assistant Chief Matt Lombardi reported heavy smoke showing. As units arrived an inside attack was made to the first floor, as heavy fire in the rear of the building was also showing. The fire extended to the second floor with fire and smoke venting out several windows.
A mutual aid ladder truck from Hasbrouck Heights and a FAST team from Wallington responded to the scene. A second alarm was ordered bringing additional out of town units to the scene.
Engine 612 had water supply issues while feeding Ladder 613, requiring an engine from Garfield to be called to the scene to supply the Lodi truck. Exposures on both the bravo and delta sides needed to be protected as both dwellings started to smoke from the heat.
The fire was soon knocked down on the first and second floors and companies began to overhaul. While venting the roof truck companies reported high heat and fire in the attic. The attic eventually flashed which presented heavy fire conditions through the roof. Assistant Chief and IC Lou Avola evacuated the fire building and went to master stream operations from Lodi's tower ladder, Hasbrouck Heights ladder pipe and Engine 615's deck gun.
The Lodi Rescue Squad's fire rehab unit and Saddle Brooks unit both worked the blaze.
Resident Albert Garcia, said thirteen birds were lost in the fire but he was able to rescue two Quaker parakeets and his dog.
Lodi received mutual aid assistance from Maywood, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Saddle Brook, Rochelle Park, Elmwood Park and Little Ferry while others covered Lodi firehouses.
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1stresponder article by Damien Danis**
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