2 firefighters hurt battling NJ house fire

By Justo Bautista
The Herald News

PASSAIC, N.J. — Two firefighters were injured and several tenants were displaced by a two-alarm fire Tuesday at a house on Lucille Place, a fire official said.

The firefighters, whose names were not immediately released, suffered strains and were treated at St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, said acting Battalion Chief Jim Bonelli of the Passaic Fire Department.

The fire, at 12 Lucille Place, was reported around 5:21 p.m.

Budget problems in the city recently forced officials to lay off 17 firefighters. A station four blocks from the fire scene normally houses two engines and a ladder company, but on Tuesday there was only one engine company and one truck company at that station, Bonelli said. Firefighters had to wait for an engine to respond from another station, Bonelli said. Firefighters from Clifton provided mutual aid.

Tenants were fleeing the building and smoke was billowing from the ground floor when firefighters arrived, Bonelli said. Firefighters searched for other tenants inside but found none, he said.

The fire was declared under control at 7:30 p.m., Bonelli said.

The fire, which was not considered suspicious, was still under investigation late Tuesday. City officials helped the displaced residents find temporary shelter, Bonelli said.

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