Flanders Firefighters Rescue Six Pets As Fire Hits Oakwood Village Apartment

FLANDERS, N.J. - March 4, 2015 - PRLog -- FLANDERS, N.J. – Flanders firefighters this afternoon rescued three cats and three dogs from a burning apartment in Flanders.

Firefighters responded a reported smoke condition shortly before 1 p.m. at Oakwood Village on Route 206 in Flanders and found a smoky, sooty fire in the living room of the second-floor apartment. Firefighters entered the burning apartment, quickly knocked the fire down and found and removed the pets. The pets were taken to a local veterinarian, where they are said to be doing fine. No people were injured.

Budd Lake Fire Chief Brad Evans, who oversaw the operations at the fire, said firefighters got the fire out quickly. He said firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with the water they carried on their trucks, but a lack of accessible hydrants could have been an issue had the fire been worse. He reminded people keep fire hydrants clear. The narrow driveway by the apartment building created an access issue.

         Fire damage was held to the one apartment, although neighboring apartments suffered smoke and water damage. An investigation by the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s office and Mount Olive Police Department is under way.

         Assisting the Flanders Fire & Rescue Company #1 were the Budd Lake Fire Company, Chester Fire Department, Hackettstown Fire Department and Netcong Fire Department. In addition, ambulances from the Budd Lake First Aid Squad and Hackettstown Regional Medical Center also were on scene. The Mount Olive Police Department also assisted.

The Flanders Fire & Rescue Company No. 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 75 members, all of whom receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, two ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home. For information about membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-7805 or click on www.flandersfire.org.