Plaza Road - Garage fire

Photos by John Bernabeo

On February 24, the Fire Dept. was dispatched for a reported garage fire. First arriving officers reported a working fire shortly after dispatch. Engine 3 responding with 10 firefighters under the direction of Capt. Mike Salvini, arrived on scene within 3 minutes of dispatch. We arrived to find a moderate smoke condition. 977(Zak) arrived behind Engine 3 and established command. The homeowner advised that his dog was still inside. Both he and an off-duty firefighter attempted to make entry by forcing the garage door but were pushed back by the smoke and the arrival of Engine 3. Engine 3 firefighters pulled an 1 3/4" line for fire attack while the dog was located and removed from the building. FF Steve Buskiewicz, with the assistance of Capt. Mike Salvini, FF John Buskiewicz and Police Officer Lou Vasquez administered oxygen to the unresponsive dog. The fire was found to be smoldering and was knocked down by the use of a water can. The dog began to breath while on the lawn. Upon approval of the Chief, his vehicle was utilized to transport the dog to Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus by FF's Gene Snyder and John Buskiewicz. The homeowner also accompanied. The dog was left in care of the Animal Hospital while the homeowner was transported to a local hospital after complaints related to smoke inhalation. FF Snyder stayed at the animal hospital for a short while and before leaving the dog became more responsive and was sitting up. After several days at the hospital, the dog made a full recovery. Without the efforts of all involved result would have been much worse.