A Passaic firefighter was forced to bail out of a second-story window and three other firefighters had to be rescued following a flashover during a four-alarm blaze early Friday morning.
Crews responded to the fire at 216 Central Avenue just after 3:30 a.m. to find the structure fully involved, according to The Record.
The firefighters were attempting to search the structure after receiving reports of a person on the second floor, which ended up being false.
Four residents were able to make it out safely.
An aerial ladder was used to rescue the three trapped firefighters through a window.
One of the firefighters collapsed after the rescue and was transported to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Another of the three rescued firefighters as well as the one who jumped were also taken to the hospital. The fourth firefighter was treated at the scene.
The two rescued firefighters were expected to be released later Friday morning.
Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost told the newspaper that the firefighter who jumped was alert and complaining of back pain as he was carried to an awaiting ambulance.
Officials say the fire appears to have originated in the basement and extended up to the attic.
Fourteen other departments from Bergen and Passaic counties also responded.
