Multiple homes were damaged when a fast-moving fire tore through a New Jersey community overnight, generating smoke so billowy that New York City’s Office of Emergency Management posted an alert about it.
One home appeared to be totally destroyed after the fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Brinkerhoff Street in Ridgefield Park. Two nearby sustained major fire damage, as well as smoke and water damage.
A neighbor said everyone in the three homes affected got out safely.
More than 100 fire personnel responded. One was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
A fire official at the scene says access to water hampered the firefighting effort.
No other injuries were reported.
Due to emergency personnel operating at a four alarm fire in Ridgefield Park, NJ, residents in Manhattan may see or smell smoke. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/fCMmaLTzmK
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) April 21, 2026