Three-Alarm Fire Damages Home

A three-alarm fire ripped through a Baldwin Avenue house Wednesday night, seriously damaging the home and sending a firefighter and a police officer to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said.

It was unclear early Thursday what sparked the fire. The house is apparently unoccupied at the time of the fire, First Assistant Fire Chief Richard Giarratana said.

Giarratana stated the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

Firefighters received a call from the police department late Wednesday, notifying them about a fire and smoke condition at the home, Giarratana said. When firefighters arrived, they ecountered fire near the center of the home, he said.

Neighbors lined up across the street as the ladder rested against the roof of the home while firefighters worked to put out the fire. Firefighters were seen entering the home through the garage as they searched to be sure no one was in the house.

Fire departments from Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, Little Ferry and Moonachie also responded to the fire.