Westfield Home Saved From Secondary Chimney Collapse: Fire Officials

WESTFIELD, NJ - A Westfield home that experienced a chimney collapse Tuesday night was saved from a secondary collapse thanks to the efforts of local first responders, fire officials said.

The incident, which was reported on the 100 block of North Chestnut Street, occurred shortly after 6 p.m., the Westfield Fire Department said in a statement.

“Upon further investigation, Fire Department personnel found severe structural damage to the floor joists of division one,” fire officials said. “The remaining portion of the chimney was no longer supported through the structure and was in threat of a secondary collapse.”

Requiring “extreme shoring measures,” first responders called on the Union County Tech Rescue Task Force for help at the scene and additional Westfield Fire Department members to cover the town for other calls. The Westfield Police Department also helped with providing scene lighting and traffic safety, fire officials said.

The structure was eventually deemed under control at 10:18 p.m., with help from Union County Tech Rescue, Union Squad and Engine, Elizabeth Rescue, Elizabeth Ladder, Milburn Shoring Unit, and Middlesex USAR.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The Westfield Fire Department reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure that your smoke alarms are tested monthly and are less than 10 years old. For more information on fire safety, contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.