One person was treated for smoke inhalation, one cat was rescued and one cat died in a 4-alarm fire at 16 Van Ness Court in Maplewood Friday afternoon.
The South Essex Fire Department, with mutual aid from Newark, Irvington, Orange and East Orange, fought the fire that was reported at approximately 12:18 p.m. and put under control after about 1-1/2 hours, said Chief Joseph Alvarez.
As the Deputy 2 command unit was en route to the fire, Maplewood Police Department was on the scene and reported heavy fire on the first floor.
“Deputy 2 requested a signal 11, which brings in Irvington and Orange and a [Rapid Intervention Team] company from West Orange to the scene,” Alvarez said. “And 2 engines and 1 ladder from Newark and an engine from East Orange. Due to the heavy fire on the 1st floor and extending to the 2nd floor and attic area a 2nd and 3rd alarm was transmitted.”
Alvarez said that the fire companies reported heavy fire in the attic, prompting the 4th alarm due to the size of the building and the fire conditions.
“There was one civilian treated for smoke inhalation and firefighters rescued one cat. Another cat succumbed to its injuries and was removed by firefighters,” he said.
The fire is under investigation, Alvarez said.
Alvarez said he and the SEFD “want to thank Maplewood Police Department and the mutual aid partners for all of their assistance today.”
