Resident Rescued! Bergen County Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Blaze Reaching Attic on Briarly Drive
photos courtesy of Franklin Lakes and Waldwick Fire departments
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ – A quick response from the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, aided by essential mutual aid partners, contained a dangerous fire that had begun to extend through the roofline of a large residential home on Briarly Drive. The swift coordination not only knocked down the flames but also ensured the safe evacuation of a resident who was initially unaware of the danger.
Second Alarm Rises on Briarly Drive
The emergency began at 3:20 PM when the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for reports of smoke coming from a residence. Crews, who had just cleared a separate alarm across town, were able to quickly respond.
The gravity of the situation became clear moments later when Franklin Lakes Communications began receiving multiple calls reporting visible smoke and fire.
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Arrival: Car 2, Assistant Chief Piccoli, arrived at 3:22 PM and immediately reported smoke showing from the roofline of the 2.5-story wood frame structure. A 360-degree size-up confirmed fire on the rear roof that was extending into the attic.
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The Rescue: Crucially, Assistant Chief Piccoli and Franklin Lakes Police Officer Heffner immediately alerted a resident who was still inside the home, completely unaware of the developing fire, and assisted in their safe evacuation.
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Escalation: Recognizing the size of the structure and the extent of the fire, Car 1, Chief Bohny, arrived moments later and requested a Second Alarm through Bergen County Communications.
Mutual Aid and Aggressive Attack
The Second Alarm brought a surge of resources, including Wyckoff, Oakland, Mahwah, and Waldwick fire companies, allowing for a decisive and aggressive interior attack.
Crews from Ladder 3, Engine 1, Engine 4, and Squad 3 focused on the attic space, while Wyckoff Truck 241 split their crew to assist with the fire attack and perform coordinated vertical ventilation—a critical maneuver to release heat and smoke and prevent further spread.
Simultaneously, units from Oakland and Mahwah stretched an additional line to the rear of the structure, effectively extinguishing the fire that was inaccessible from the interior. Thanks to this coordinated effort, the fire was placed under control within the hour.
The Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department, whose 64 Rescue unit responded as a Fast Team, praised the quick knockdown by all companies on scene, ensuring that the fire was controlled before it could destroy the large home.
The incident remains under investigation by the Franklin Lakes Fire Prevention Bureau, but is not considered suspicious.
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