Crime & Safety

Faced with Blistering Heat, Teaneck Firefighters Battle I-95 Blaze [VIDEO]

Several vehicles destroyed when car carrier ignites.

Teaneck firefighters faced heavy traffic and extreme heat as they worked to get a car carrier blaze under control on I-95 Friday afternoon, officials said. 

The car carrier's tire first ignited and quickly engulfed the rest of the truck around 1:45 p.m. in the northbound express lanes at Teaneck-Leonia border, according to state police. 

Township fire crews reported a large smoke column visible from Teaneck Road as they rushed to the scene through major traffic delays. 

Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Several vehicles on the car carrier were destroyed by fire and two others sustained heavy smoke damage, Teaneck Fire Chief Anthony Verley said. 

"The temperature was 98 degrees. The road surface was reported to be 115 degrees. The responders had to work in heavy turnout gear in the stifling heat," Verley said. 

Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Firefighters from Englewood, Fort Lee, Leonia and Ridgefield assisted at the scene. Teaneck's volunteer Box 54 support unit also responded. 

“This was a very difficult fire due to the location and heat of the day,” said Teaneck Battalion Chief Michael Weiss, who was at the scene. “All responders did an excellent job.”

The highway's northbound express lanes and part of the local lanes were blocked as crews worked at the scene. There were no injuries, according to state police and fire officials. 

Video of the fire posted on YouTube is attached above. 

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First published 2:45 p.m. Friday. Last updated 11:45 p.m. 


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