Fire Chief Michael Salvini quickly escalated the call to a second alarm, bringing in approximately 45 firefighters from all four Fair Lawn companies
Photos courtesy of Andrey Golik and Scott Osback
the staff oif the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, In the midst of a devastating house fire that displaced ten residents, a small hero with four paws and a tail made it out alive thanks to the bravery of the Fair Lawn Police Department.
On the night of January 21, 2026, a fast-moving second-alarm fire tore through a two-family home on Third Street. While the human residents managed to escape the thick, black smoke, the family’s kitten remained trapped inside—until three officers decided to go in after it.
The Rescue: “No One Left Behind”
The call came in at 9:55 p.m. for heavy smoke pouring from the 1300 block of 3rd Street. As the Fair Lawn Fire Department battled the blaze on the second floor, Sgt. Luis Vasquez and Officers Juan Rodriguez and John Rovetto entered the smoke-filled structure.
The conditions were dire:
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Visibility: Near zero due to heavy smoke accumulation.
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Temperature: Sub-freezing outdoor temperatures created hazardous ice patches both inside and outside the building.
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The Result: Sgt. Vasquez successfully located the kitten and brought it safely into the arms of its waiting family.
Officer Rodriguez was later transported to a local hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation, while one resident was treated at the scene.
Fighting the “Freezing Conditions”
Fire Chief Michael Salvini quickly escalated the call to a second alarm, bringing in approximately 45 firefighters from all four Fair Lawn companies.
“The freezing conditions produced a very hazardous condition,” Chief Salvini noted. Despite the “quick knockdown” of the fire—which was brought under control in just 35 minutes—the structure suffered major damage. By the morning of January 22, the top floor showed significant charring, and the Fair Lawn Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was working to relocate the 10 displaced residents.
A Multi-Agency Effort
The rescue was a testament to the seamless cooperation of Bergen County’s first responders. Mutual aid poured in from several neighboring towns to provide coverage and assistance:
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Fire Departments: Elmwood Park, Glen Rock, Paramus, Paterson, and Saddle Brook.
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Support Units: Fair Lawn Rescue Squad, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and OEM.
Current Status: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau.
How You Can Help Displaced Families
With ten neighbors now without a home during one of the coldest weeks of the year, the community is encouraged to check with local Fair Lawn organizations for donation drives or support efforts for the 3rd Street residents.
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