the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, according to Wyckoff Police, early this morning (12/18/19), Officers from the Wyckoff Police Department responded to an active smoke condition in one of the lodges at the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat. P.O. Oldewurtel immediately arrived on scene, and confirmed an active smoke condition in the Oak Lodge. He reported that the residents of the building had been evacuated by the staff and he entered the building, despite a heavy smoke condition, to confirm that all the residents and staff had been evacuated. Shortly thereafter, Sgt Pinches, P.O. Plisich, P.O. Bakelaar and P.O. Christopher arrived on scene and immediately began to search for any parties in need of medical assistance. They located three staff members complaining of difficulty breathing and chest pain. They were able to safely escort the patients through a chaotic scene and render first aid in the back of their patrol vehicles, which were parked a safe distance from the Oak Lodge. All of the officers involved also worked together to help coordinate the arrival and departure of numerous BLS and ALS units, which were having difficulty navigating through the scene.
Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat :
“This morning, there was a fire in the ECCR Oak Lodge. The quick action of staff prevented a disaster, and they were able to safely evacuate all of the residents to another house on the premises. Unfortunately, due to the extensive damage Oak Lodge is uninhabitable.
We are grateful to the staff and Wyckoff Fire department for their quick action and response. We are thankful that no one was hurt and blessed by the support of the community.
Donations are being accepted at ECCR, 700 Mountain Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 or via credit card on our website, ECCRetreat.org.
Thank you for your support during this difficult time and always.”