Six people made a narrow escape from a raging overnight house fire that destroyed a home on Piermont Avenue in Hillsdale, leaving the occupants with only minor injuries as firefighters battled heavy flames into the early morning hours.
Fire crews were dispatched at about 12:26 a.m. and arrived roughly five minutes later to find the house already engulfed in flames, according to News 12 New York. Firefighters remained on scene to knock down the blaze and check for hot spots, while emergency responders urged neighbors to steer clear of the area so crews could work safely. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Jeff Angermeyer, chief of detectives for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, told Patch that arson investigators from the Prosecutor's Office responded to the scene and launched an investigation alongside the Hillsdale Police Department and local fire officials. He said the team was processing the scene and would release more information once it becomes available.
Investigation Under Way
The home was described as fully engulfed when firefighters got there, and crews were still chasing hot spots early Wednesday, according to News 12 New York. Authorities have not announced an official cause, and detectives and fire investigators continue to comb through the property as part of the active probe.
What Residents Need To Know
The Hillsdale Fire Department asked the public to avoid Piermont Avenue while emergency crews operated at the scene, and several of the people who escaped the blaze were treated for minor injuries, Patch reported. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is being urged to contact the Hillsdale Police Department as the Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation.
Officials have not released the names of the residents involved or the exact house number on Piermont Avenue. More details are expected as investigators finish their work, and this story will be updated when prosecutors or local fire officials provide new information.
