3 firefighters hurt in blaze Saturday

Three firefighters were injured in a blaze that destroyed one home and damaged two others Saturday, March 18, officials said.

One firefighter was treated at the scene and two were taken to Chilton Hospital, where they were treated and released.

The fire was caused by a resident illegally burning debris in a rear yard, according to a statement from the West Milford Fire Marshal’s Office.

Just after noon Saturday, West Milford Fire Companies 3 and 6 were dispatched to 469 Lakeside Road for a reported brush fire.

Those fire companies and firefighters from Greenwood Lake, N.Y., found a large area of brush burning up the mountain, the fire marhal’s statement said. The fire spread rapidly to three other structures.

A full West Milford tanker task force was activated and mutual aid units responded to the scene from Greenwood Lake and Warwick, N.Y.; Ringwood; Bloomingdale; and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service. Surrounding towns responded to cover the West Milford.

The West Milford First Aid Squad and Passaic County Rehab also responded.

The fire was extinguished quickly at two homes, which had some damage to the exterior.

The fire full engulfed the house at 48 Kushaqua Trail and it took several hours to bring it under control.

Special equipment was brought in because of the deep-seated fire and the home had partially collapsed.

All units left the scene about 7:30 p.m.

The investigation is being conducted by the West Milford Fire Marshal, West Milford Police Department, New Jersey State Forest Fire Service and New Jersey State Fire Marshal.