Four firefighters sent to hospital battling blaze in Passaic

Mayor Hector Lora confirmed that a fire in Passaic sent four firefighters to the hospital and displaced one family Wednesday afternoon. All four firefighters have since been released from the hospital.

The mayor said two firefighters were taken to the hospital to receive treatment for heat exhaustion and that the family living at the Union Avenue home “lost everything.”

"I thank God that although there is loss of property, there is not loss of life, " Lora said.

Though the firefighters were released and none were seriously injured, Lora said they will continue to be evaluated in the coming days in case there are any lingering effects.

The fire could have turned out even worse. During the response, a mayday call went out, which caused concern, Lora said.

"We're thankful to God that our firefighters, all four of them, are OK and the family members are OK," he said.

Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost said the fire likely started from an overheated air conditioner.

One man was evacuated and no one else was found as the department searched. The chief also noted that it started on the first floor and spread throughout the home.

The chief said the weather has affected the actions taken by the department as well.

“The humidity combined with the extreme heat does not allow us to work normal,” he said. “We’re forced to work longer than we want to, so our members are collapsing from exposure and heat.”

Lora thanked mutual aid support from nearby towns such as Wallington and Clifton as firefighters responded to the blaze in extreme heat.

In addition to firefighters, there was first responder support from throughout Bergen and Passaic counties.

Lora said there were wires down, threatening additional fires, but that PSE&G was at the scene to cut the power.

The mayor reminded residents to be cognizant that resources used to keep cool can start fires. The Red Cross confirmed on social media that it was helping at least 11 people displaced by the fire, providing assistance with temporary housing, food, clothing and "other immediate needs."

Lora mentioned that beyond the immediate needs, the family will need more support going forward. The family members lost all their belongings to the fire, including passports, licenses and credit cards.

"The process becomes difficult," Lora said. "They need help and they need support. And that's where the city and the community comes in."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic NJ fire sends four firefighters to hospital