Close Call in Hawthorne: Firefighters Stop Massive Brush Fire Feet from Family Deck
photos courtesy of Hawthorne Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, A quiet evening in Hawthorne, New Jersey, nearly turned disastrous on Wednesday when a fast-moving brush fire ignited along the railroad tracks, threatening to consume a local home. Thanks to a rapid, multi-unit response from the Hawthorne Fire Department, the blaze was contained just moments before it could spread to residential structures.
Here is the breakdown of the emergency response that saved a North Ethel Avenue property.
The Scene: Railroad Tracks Ablaze
At 6:22 PM, emergency dispatchers received reports of a large brush fire burning behind a residence on North Ethel Avenue. Upon arrival, the Fire Chief confirmed the high-stakes situation: a significant area of dry brush was burning aggressively along the railroad tracks, directly threatening a homeowner’s rear deck.
Tactical Response: A Two-Sided Attack
The Hawthorne Fire Department utilized a strategic “pincer” approach to surround the fire and prevent it from jumping to the house:
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North Ethel Side: Squad 3 and Truck 2, arriving fresh from a previous call, immediately stretched two hose lines to create a barrier between the flames and the home.
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9th Avenue Side: Engine 1 accessed the rear of the fire from 9th Avenue, stretching an additional line to extinguish the heart of the blaze.
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Support & Overhaul: Members from Engine 4 and Rescue 5 provided critical manpower, assisting with the grueling “overhaul” process—soaking the ground to ensure no hidden embers could reignite.
By 7:40 PM, all units were back in service, having successfully held the fire to its point of origin with zero damage to the residence.
Community Support: EMS and Auxiliary
Battling brush fires is physically demanding work. The department extended a special thank you to Hawthorne EMS and the Fire Auxiliary, who were on-site to provide “rehab,” ensuring firefighters stayed hydrated and recovered in the humid evening conditions.
Safety Reminder: Spring Brush Fire Season
With the arrival of warmer weather, North Jersey residents are reminded that brush along railroad tracks and wooded areas can become highly flammable.
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Keep Decks Clear: Ensure dry leaves and debris are cleared from under and around wooden decks.
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Report Smoke Early: In brush fire scenarios, minutes matter. Call 911 immediately if you see smoke near wooded perimeters.
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