Shortly before 9:30 PM on January 5^th the Glen Rock Fire Department along with Hawthorne Truck 2 on automatic aid were sent to 15 Birchwood Place for a reported explosion and fire. First arriving units encountered heavy smoke from a 2 ½ story frame dwelling. Flames were visible from a basement window on the “D” side, and reports of an occupant still inside.  A second alarm was called for. Hoarding conditions made advancing difficult. Flames extended to all floors of the structure. 

The unconscious occupant, a 82 year old man, was located and brought outside and CPR was initiated before being transported. He was pronounced on arrival at Valley Hospital.

The smoke condition slowly lightened after the roof was cut and windows vented. Within a hour the fire was able to be placed under control. No additional injuries were reported. Several agency’s including the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Arson Investigators were working to determine a cause. Mutual aid at the scene was provided by Ridgewood, Hawthorne, Fair Lawn, Paramus, and Ramsey Rescue.