By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County fire officials are probing into hoarding conditions as a potential cause of a devastating fire in Cliffside Park early Sunday morning.
The blaze ignited just before 10:45 p.m., severely damaging a two-story multi-family residence on the 30 block of George Road.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense flames emanating from a second-floor apartment.
The severity of the fire prompted officials to call for a second alarm, escalating their response efforts.
Firefighting teams, deploying multiple hoses, bravely navigated through the apartment, where they encountered significant hoarding conditions that complicated their efforts.
The fire was successfully subdued within an hour, but not without consequences. While one resident sustained serious injuries, another was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
As the investigation into the fire's origin continues, authorities are closely examining the role that the hoarding conditions may have played in the blaze's severity.