North Jersey Home Explosion Hospitalizes 2 Firefighters: Officials

POMPTON LAKES, NJ - An early morning house explosion in Pompton Lakes trapped five and injured two volunteer firefighters Saturday, officials said.

The Pompton Lakes Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a house near Ramapo Avenue and Riverdale Road around 2:15 a.m. Saturday, the fire department said in a statement.

After only minutes of probing the home to seek out the source of the smoke using a thermal imaging camera, “the home literally exploded,” the department said, injuring several volunteers running the hose line at the back of the home and partially trapping others in the basement.

The explosion resulted in part of the structure collapsing and a “significant fire,” officials added. All volunteer firefighters were able to escape and were treated for burns and bruises, with two volunteers transported to St. Barnabas Hospital for burn treatment. Both volunteers were later released.

Mutual aid response to the blaze was provided by Riverdale, and later Wayne, Oakland, Wanaque, Bloomingdale, Pompton Plains and Skyline Lakes with a second alarm. Assistance was also provided from Tri-Boro, Wanaque, Wayne & Ringwood First Aid squads.

“We are beyond thankful that the firemen were not more seriously injured and were treated on scene by the PLR First Aid Squad and transported by other EMS units called to the scene,” the fire department said. “PLVFD sincerely thanks our mutual aid fire response companies and first aid squads for their help during this extremely difficult event. We are thankful that we were all able to eventually return home, and wish the homeowner the best.”

The blaze is currently under investigation by state fire officials and county investigators, per NJ.com.