37°
The fire broke out at an apartment above the Five Acres Flea Market on Route 46 in White Township just before 8 a.m., according to the Independence First Aid Squad.
Mountain Lake Fire Company Fire Chief Vasquez passed the blaze when driving home and was on the scene “within minutes,” the department said.
Upon being notified by bystanders that there was still a person trapped in the fire, Chief Vasquez made a daring rescue attempt that ultimately paid off when he climbed a ladder ensure the safety of the victim, who was stuck in the “heavy black smoke” that had been pushing from the upper part of the building, authorities said.
The fire was quickly doused with the help of neighboring fire companies, and no additional injuries were reported.
The cause of the blaze had not yet been determined.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Parsippany-Troy Hills and receive free news updates.
