A fire contained within a single condominium in a North Bergen high rise Monday has left several residents displaced, but there's a possibility more residents could be affected because of damage to the structure's electrical system, according to North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Montagne.
The three-alarm blaze, which was reported to have started around 1 p.m., was confined within a single 15th floor unit, causing extensive fire and smoke damage to the apartment, its balcony and surrounding hallways, Montagne said.
He confirmed the northern half of the building's condos remain without power after water traveled from the floor to the building's basement through a conduit chase, soaking electrical wiring and circuit breakers.
Montagne also said tests of the building's energy supply meant to examine the extent of the damage failed and personnel are in the process of conducting follow-up tests. Although the units will remain without electricity until repairs are completed, residents are allowed to continue staying there.
Red Cross spokesperson Diane Concannon confirmed the organization had responders on the scene for several hours Monday night and provided temporary shelter assistance to three people.
Concannon said several other residents without power were planning on staying with family and friends.
Montagne noted the cause of the fire remains under investigation, but that the department was leaning towards the condo's heating unit as the cause of the blaze.
Marshall Kozinn, 82, who lives in the unit where the blaze began, was reported to have been displaced, but Montagne could not confirm who the man is staying with and when he'll be allowed back into his residence.
Kozinn, who said he tried to put the fire out before leaving the apartment, also blamed the heating unit for the incident.
"The heating unit just overheated and flames started coming out," he said. "The systems are lousy.
"This is the second time they replaced it. The one they replaced was better than this one."