Quick Action by Hackensack Fire Department and Alert Neighbor Prevents Catastrophe at Blanchard Terrace
photos courtesy of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ – A major fire emergency was narrowly averted on Sunday afternoon, October 12th, thanks to the swift, professional response of the City of Hackensack Fire Department’s 2nd Platoon and an eagle-eyed resident. The incident serves as a crucial, dramatic warning about one of the most unexpected causes of residential fires: household pets and stovetops.
At approximately 5:00 PM (1700 hours), Hackensack Firefighters were dispatched to a garden apartment on Blanchard Terrace for a report of heavy smoke. Members immediately initiated standard, aggressive fire protocol, stretching hoselines and throwing ladders in preparation for a fully involved structure fire.
The Surprising Source of the Smoke
During the primary search of the unit, the source of the smoke was quickly identified and extinguished: a burning wooden cutting board left on the stovetop.
The fire was determined to be accidental. Investigators strongly suspect the blaze was ignited by a pet climbing onto the stove and accidentally activating a burner, causing the wooden cutting board to catch fire. A small fire like this can produce a tremendous amount of smoke very quickly, potentially incapacitating residents and allowing the fire to spread to cabinets and nearby combustibles.
As one commenter noted, “This could have turned bad quickly.” The quick response from the on-duty members and the alert neighbor who placed the 911 call were critical factors in preventing a widespread apartment fire and potential loss of life.
Fire Safety Q&A: The Essential Kitchen Extinguisher
This close call highlights the need for proper home fire protection. A common question from residents is: What type of fire extinguisher do you recommend for the kitchen?
For residential kitchens, the best choice is a multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher rated as ABC.
- A-B-C Rating Explained:
- A (Ash): Effective on ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and the very cutting board involved in this incident.
- B (Barrel): Effective on flammable liquids like grease, cooking oil, and gasoline—the most common and dangerous kitchen fire types.
- C (Current): Effective on electrical fires, which can start from faulty appliances or wiring.
While professional kitchens use a Class K (wet chemical) for deep fryers, the ABC extinguisher is the most versatile and recommended model for home and apartment use, providing comprehensive protection against all common kitchen hazards. Always keep it in an easily accessible location, away from the stove itself.
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