Fire Causes 'Toxic' Smoke at Teaneck Senior Housing Complex

A small kitchen fire broke out in an apartment at a senior citizen housing complex in Teaneck Wednesday morning, officials said. 

Firefighters were called at 8:42 a.m. for a report of a fire in a third floor apartment at the Five Star Residences on Pomander Walk and arrived two minutes later, according to Fire Chief Anthony Verley. Staff had extinguished the flames, but fire crews found heavy smoke on the floor. 

Verley said a burner on the stove had been turned on under a plastic bowl, creating thick toxic smoke. Crews made sure the flames hadn't spread elsewhere in the apartment or the units above and helped residents to safety in the lobby. 

"Using a high pressure ventilating fan, FD units then ventilated the windowless hallway and fire apartment," the chief said. 

The Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps also responded along with township police. No serious injuries were reported, but two staff members were checked as a precaution. 

Firefighters cleared the scene about an hour later.  

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