Grill Fire Destroys Bergen County Home, Displacing 3, Police Say

TEANECK, NJ — Firefighters battled a blaze at a Bergen County home for two hours on Saturday night after a neighbor and homeowner unsuccessfully tried to put out a grill fire, said police.

Just after 11:30 p.m., the Teaneck Police Department received a 911 call reporting a fire on Linden Avenue, said Police Chief Andrew McGurr.

The caller, who was the neighbor, noticed a small fire in the backyard, police said.

The neighbor met the homeowner and tried to put the fire out with an extinguisher. But they were unable to contain the fire, and it spread to the rear of the home, police said.

The Teaneck Fire Department, Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps., and police responded.

Three of the home's residents had already evacuated, police said.

"Firefighters found the residence heavily involved, with the fire having spread to the first floor, second floor and attic of the residence," McGurr said.

Firefighters from Hackensack, Englewood, Bergenfield, Bogota and Ridgefield Park Fire Departments responded to the scene to assist, he said.

Crews battled the blaze for approximately two hours before it was fully under control, police. said.

No injuries were reported, but the home sustained significant damage and was uninhabitable, police said.

The residents are temporarily displaced and are receiving assistance from family and neighbors.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, but it has been determined to be not suspicious, police said.