Chimney Fire Spreads to Attic

On Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 7:45 P.M. Ramsey FD was dispatched for a reported fire in the attic called in by the resident on Valley View Drive. Ramsey PD arrived and reported a working fire. Ramsey Chief Jim Dougherty and Captain Gregg Hewit arrived and confirmed a working fire spreading from the base of the chimney, up the walls into the attic. Chief Dougherty requested the second alarm assignment bringing mutual aid from Wyckoff, Mahwah, and Allendale with support from Ramsey EMS and Rescue. The NORCON communications center was also activated.
Engine 432 was the first unit on scene and was ordered to connect to the hydrant in front and stretch 2 lines into the front door. The first line went to the main floor and the second went to the attic. A third line was brought into the basement. The crew on the main floor was met with heavy smoke and fire showing in the walls around the chimney. An aggressive attack with the line along with pulling the walls and ceiling quickly knocked the fire down. The attic crew knocked the heavy fire down from a small scuttle in the hallway, then advanced into the attic to handle spot fires and overhaul.
Tower 441 was positioned in front and raised the tower to the roof for ventilation. Ground ladders were also used to allow crews to overhaul the roof area which sustained heavy fire damage. Engine 434 connected to a hydrant and supplied the tower if needed while the crew assisted the first in units.
Thankfully all the residents got out safely and there were no injuries reported at the scene. The home sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage in the area where the fire began. Thanks to the first in units for an aggressive interior attack, the fire did not spread any further. Great Job!!
Thanks again for the mutual aid units that responded and for the local support from PD, Rescue and EMS. This support helps us do what we do.