Photos courtesy of Chris Torello
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Leonia NJ, a massive fire tore through two apartment buildings on Grand Avenue in Leonia on Valentine’s Day, displacing multiple families and leaving two beloved pets missing.
Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
At 8:30 AM, the Leonia Fire Department (LFD) responded to a structure fire with reports of people trapped. Upon arrival, Chief Dunn (LE-9) immediately upgraded the response to a second alarm, as thick smoke was visible from the south end of town.
Fire crews from Engine 2 quickly secured a water supply and stretched a 2.5” hose line through the courtyard to attack the raging fire in the main building. Meanwhile, Englewood Fire Department’s Engine 2 arrived and worked to contain the flames in the exposure building, which had also ignited.
The advanced state of the fire, combined with the building’s construction, made it difficult to contain, pushing resources to their limit. Despite the challenges, firefighters from multiple mutual aid departments battled tirelessly for hours to control the blaze.
Departments That Assisted in the Fire Response:
🔥 Leonia Fire Department
🔥 Englewood Fire Department
🔥 Fort Lee Fire Department
🔥 Cliffside Park Fire Department
🔥 Ridgefield Fire Department
🔥 Palisades Park Fire Department
🔥 Teaneck Fire Department
🔥 Tenafly Fire Department
🔥 Ridgefield Park Fire Department
Thankfully, all residents were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.
Missing Pets: Help Find Nala & Nico
Although everyone made it out safely, two pets are still missing:
🐶 Nala – a 3-year-old light brown dog
🐱 Nico – a 10-year-old black cat
These pets may be wandering nearby neighborhoods, scared and disoriented.
How to Approach a Lost Pet
The American Kennel Club (AKC) advises using caution when approaching a lost animal:
✅ Move slowly and turn your body sideways to avoid appearing threatening.
✅ Squat down and extend your hand to let the animal sniff you.
✅ Avoid direct eye contact, which may cause anxiety.
✅ Use a calm voice and treats to encourage the pet to come closer.
✅ Only grab the collar when the animal appears comfortable.
If you spot Nala or Nico, please contact the Leonia Police Department immediately at (201) 944-0800.
Community Support is Needed
With at least 10 families displaced, the community’s support is more important than ever. Donations of clothing, food, and temporary housing assistance may help those affected begin to rebuild.
As Leonia recovers from this devastating fire, we extend our gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and mutual aid partners who worked tirelessly to keep the community safe.
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