Wood-Ridge Police Officer Evacuates Residents During Raging Garage Fire

WOOD-RIDGE, N.J. -- A raging garage fire caused some damage to a house but was quickly extinguished, Wood-Ridge officials told Daily Voice.

VIDEO: Mike Villanova

Photo Credit: homer218

The garage and a car parked inside were destroyed in the Wood-Ridge blaze.
Photo Credit: *Mark Rella*

Jerry DeMarco

10/22/2015 8:00 a.m.

A passing borough police officer got the homeowner out, avoiding potential injury, Police Chief Joseph Rutigliano said after the 7 p.m. blaze was extinguished.

"The garage is a total loss," Rutigliano said after the four-alarm blaze and Union Avenue and Jefferson street.

A car that was in the garage was destroyed, as well, he said. Some vinyl siding of a neighboring house was melted.

Patrol Officer Joseph Vitkovski discovered the fire, called it in and evacuated the homeowner, the chief said.

Vitkovski then evacuated nearby homes as a precaution.

"Swift, sure reactions by the officer. He should be commended," Rutigliano said. "Firefighters also should be commended for ther quick response and swift knockdown."

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