Explosive Transformer Failure Triggers Multi-Car Fire in Hackensack
photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, A dramatic early-morning emergency unfolded in Hackensack on Wednesday after a utility pole and high-voltage transformer came crashing down, sparking an explosive chain-reaction fire that engulfed multiple parked vehicles.
Electrical Danger Delays Firefighting Response
At approximately 4:45 AM, the City of Hackensack Fire Department was dispatched following reports of a utility pole on fire and primary power lines down near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Berry Street. First Platoon Engine 2 arrived on scene to find active fires fueled by live electricity, prompting Deputy Chief P. Greco to upgrade the response.
Firefighters faced a dangerous standoff as they were forced to wait for PSE&G crews to arrive and cut high-voltage power before they could safely deploy water and foam. While waiting for the power grid to be secured, the electrical blaze quickly spread across the parked vehicles, eventually burning up to eight cars along the curve of Prospect Avenue.
Witness video captured intense flames and loud explosions as the fire consumed the vehicles.
Hazmat Responds to Electric Vehicle (EV) Thermal Runaway Threat
Once PSE&G cut electricity to the downed lines, firefighters quickly moved in to extinguish the flames. However, emergency operations faced a secondary hazard: lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.
Bergen County Hazmat was called to the scene after inspectors identified an affected electric or hybrid vehicle battery. To prevent a catastrophic thermal runaway re-ignition, hazmat specialists carefully removed the compromised lithium-ion battery and secured it in a specialized 55-gallon drum for safe disposal.
Casualties, Road Closures, and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the heavy property damage—with at least six to eight vehicles destroyed—authorities confirmed there were no injuries to firefighters or members of the public.
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Traffic Impact: Hackensack Police shut down Prospect Avenue and Berry Street to control traffic, protect pedestrians, and allow crews to clean up debris and hazardous materials.
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Cause Under Investigation: Officials have not yet determined what brought the utility pole down or whether severe overnight storms in Bergen County played a role in the failure.
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