Fire Breaks Out at West Caldwell Roofing Company

The West Caldwell Fire Department prevented a fire that broke out in the yard of a roofing company from spreading to a nearby building Saturday afternoon, fire officials said.

The department responded to a fire at Mullen Roofing Company on Fairfield Place at 3:25 p.m.

The fire was reported by employees of the roofing company who were in the process of cleaning out tar kettles when they ignited due to windy conditions.

Chief Jim Alvine was the first to arrive to find heavy black smoke encompassing the building and the street.

Several vehicles, including a forklift, as well as several propane tanks were on fire on the right side of the building.

West Caldwell firefighters worked to fight the fire, which melted windows at the back of the building, while Caldwell fire department members entered the building to check if the fire had spread.

"It was a great stop by all firemen," Chief Alvine said in a release. "This could have been a disaster as there were at least 10 vehicles and more propane tanks inside the building."

Mutual aid from Caldwell and Verona Fire Departments and the West Essex First Aid Squad were called along with coverage from Essex Fells, Roseland and Fairfield fire departments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The building was turned back over to Mullen employees at approximately 5:30pm.