Montvale NJ Fatal 2nd alarm, 55 North Ave. 12-23-18

At just around 13:00 on December 23rd, 2018, both the Montvale NJ Fire Dept and neighboring Pearl River NY Fire Dept in Rockland county were dispatched for reports of a fire. 1st arriving co's from Pearl River found a house fire a 55 North Ave with heavy fire showing from the rear of the 1 story ranch style home in Montvale with reports of entrapment and went to work. MFD co's arrived and the chief requested a 2nd alarm as lines were advanced into the home and searches underway. Conditions deteriorated and command pulled all members out of the building as heavy fire broke through the roof and the occupant still unaccounted for. Several exterior hand lines were put into operation as well as Pearl River's ladder pipe. After approximately 30 minutes, all visible fire was knocked down which allowed crews to re-enter for overhaul. At just after 14:00 interior crews reported they found the body of the occupant an elderly woman who had succumbed in the fire and the fire was placed under control shortly after. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local authorities and the Bergen County Arson Squad.