Four people die in three separate house fires in seven days in Bergen County
A Saturday night fire in Ridgewood that killed a village resident capped a tragic week in which four people died in three separate house fires throughout Bergen County.
Authorities have released little information about what sparked the blazes, which also ravaged homes in Allendale and South Hackensack. But local fire chiefs said the trio of events should prompt residents to safeguard their homes, their families and themselves against accidental fires — especially with the Garden State approaching its hottest season.
"You should have working smoke detectors and an exit plan — know how to get out of your house," said Paramus Police Chief Ken Ehrenberg, who is also a 40-year member of the borough Fire Department and a former fire chief. "If you're on the second floor and the fire blocks you from your staircase, how are you getting out? You have to think about those things before it happens, because in the heat of the moment you won't be thinking as clearly."
Pat Trentacost, fire chief for the city of Passaic, said fires can erupt when residents use space heaters to ward off the winter cold or air conditioners to fight through summer heat waves.
These units can strain household electrical circuits. And they can become dangerous if they're plugged into extension cords connected to already-overloaded outlets.
"The season dictates what we tell people," Trentacost said. "But we preach it all year-round: Don't overload your outlets. Don't leave candles unattended. And if you're using an air conditioner, make sure it's UL-approved and properly plugged directly into the wall — not into an extension cord."
Earlier: One dead after fire senior living facility in Ridgewood, authorities say
South Hackensack: Two dead in fire that leaves Agar Place house severely damaged
Allendale: Teenager, 17, killed in house fire on Bonnie Way is identified
A 2005 report issued by the U.S. Fire Administration buttressed Trentacost's statements. The changing seasons influence both the causes and frequency of fires — but most stem from human error and are therefore preventable, the report said.
In the winter, heat sources contribute heavily, the report said. But holiday decorations can also cause fires, because they place lots of combustible material inside the home.
In the same vein, Fourth of July fireworks and family vacations that leave homes unattended for long stretches can cause issues in the summer.
The report encouraged local officials to analyze trends so they can appropriately target prevention programs.
"It appears that much of the seasonality of fires is due to common behaviors and causes that are repeated each year," the report said. "These repetitive causes and behaviors are candidates for clearly targeted prevention initiatives and programs. Locally as well as nationally, these initiatives and programs could have a major impact on the reduction of fire incidence."
Regardless of the time of year, it's unusual for big, fatal fires to strike back-to-back-to-back in Bergen County, Ehrenberg said.
Especially since one of their biggest causes — people falling asleep in bed while smoking cigarettes — has plummeted during the last decade as smoking rates have fallen.
"You don't see that as much," Ehrenberg said.
Steve Janoski covers law enforcement for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news about those who safeguard your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: janoski@northjersey.com
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County NJ fires: Four people die in three blazes in seven days
