Essex Home Catches Fire After Contractor Lights Torch

A two family home on Washburn Place in Caldwell caught fire at 12:46 p.m. on Wednesday after a contractor using a propane torch lit an unknown object under the siding on fire, causing the blaze.

A neighbor who heard the roofing contractor’s screams called 911. The Caldwell Fire Department arrived at 29 Washburn Place just two minutes later to find the 2-and-a-half story house on fire, Caldwell Fire Chief Gary Garamella stated.

Caldwell Police evacuated first floor residents, while arriving fire units conducted a search of the second and third floor, and extinguished a structure fire located in the rear of the second floor with partial extension to the third floor.

“Fire damage was limited to the second floor rear dining room, third floor rear bedroom and the outside of the rear of the house,” Fire Chief Garamella stated. “There were no injuries reported and residents are hoping to make quick repairs and be back in the house within a few days.”

The Caldwell fire department received assistance at the scene from the West Caldwell Fire Department and the West Essex First Aid Squad. The Caldwell firehouse received backup from the Caldwell, Verona, North Caldwell and Essex Fells Fire Departments.