Maywood NJ 2nd alarm, 99 Grove Ave. 05-15-18

As a line of severe weather was moving through the area at around 17:30 and causing havoc with high winds, lightning and torrential rain on May 15th, the Maywood NJ Fire Dept was dispatched to 99 Grove Ave for a reported utility pole down on a house. Upon arrival co's found that a large tree had been blown over and in the process took down 2 utility poles and wires, one of which had come to rest on the roof of the home. Smoke was showing from the attic and a working fire was declared by Chief Chris Tuttle, unfortunately a non insulated primary electrical wire was laying across the roof and contacting the gutter which sparked the fire and energized the home, the co's were forced to stand by outside and await the power co which was requested to respond with a rush. As the smoke condition became heavier and with flames now visible from the roof on the A/B corner a 2nd alarm was transmitted and calls were made to the power company for an ETA however due to to numerous requests with wires and poles down through out the area, none could be given except ASAP.
After evaluating the scene, it was determined that crews could safely enter the home at which time 2 hand lines were stretched to the 2nd floor and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire. Once the power was confirmed secured, co's opened up and overhauled knocking down hot spots and checking for extension which was kept minimal to the area around the A/B corner of the attic. No injuries were reported and the fire was placed under control at 19:50. Mutual aid co's from Hackensack, Rochelle Park and Saddle Brook assisted at the scene.