21°
No fewer than five people also were treated for smoke inhalation, including police officers who had to break a window to get into the apparently barricaded home on Sunrise Drive off Goffle Hill Road shortly after 1:30 p.m. May 24, a source with direct knowledge of the incident said.
The State Police helicopter took the female victim to the medical center in Livingston after landing on the baseball field at Hawthorne High School, which was sheltered in place during the procedure.
The fire apparently broke out in the basement of the two-story, wood-frame home and extended to the second floor, where responders said the woman was eventually found.
Firefighters had it doused within 45 minutes.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office was notified, although it wasn't initially certain why. A possible preliminary cause wasn't discussed.
Records show the home was sold for $384,000 to Ness Properties of Paramus in February. The previous owner was listed as Nancy Williams, 65.
Mutual aid responders at the scene or in coverage included Wyckoff and Prospect Park firefighters.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights and receive free news updates.
