Five firefighters were investigating the cause of a house fire in northern New Jersey early Saturday when it broke out suddenly, injuring five, according to the Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.
Two of the firefighters suffered burns and were treated at a local hospital, while three others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The house was completely engulfed in flames after the explosion.
(Pompon Lakes Volunteer Fire Department)
A police officer reported heavy smoke coming from a single-family home at around 2:15 am Firefighters responded to try to find the source of the smoke.
“They were prepared to extinguish anything they found,” the Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department explained.
“A couple of minutes after they entered, and while they were using a thermal imaging camera to locate the problem, the house literally exploded, injuring some members who were manning the hose at the back of the house and partially trapping others in the basement.” .
CHRISTMAS BOMBING IN NASHVILLE, 2 YEARS LATER: HOW AN EMERGENCY PHONE OUTAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DISASTER DRIVEN CHANGE
The firefighters were able to escape the house after the explosion on their own. The lone resident was also evacuated.
Firefighters were investigating the cause of the smoke coming from the house when the explosion occurred.
(Pompon Lakes Volunteer Fire Department)
Five firefighters were injured with bruises and burns.
(Fox 5 New York)
Deena Sinning, a neighbor, told Fox 5 New York that she was lying in bed when she felt the explosion.
“Suddenly, there was a huge crash and our whole house shook,” he told the local news outlet. “My husband and I jumped out of bed, went downstairs, looked out the window and saw the whole house engulfed in flames.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The cause of the initial fire and explosion was not immediately disclosed.
