Waldwick NJ Multiple Alarm Fire, PSE&G sub station, Hopper Ave. 09-13-15

On the morning of Sunday September 13th 2015, Waldwick NJ Fire Dept responded to multiple calls reporting an explosion and fire at the PSE&G electrical substation off of Hopper Ave. Units leaving quarters observed a large column of black smoke rising from the area of the sub station and on arrival found a working fire involving a large metal structure which housed transformers and electrical equipment and containing a large amount of mineral oil used to cool the equipment. As companies arrived command advised all units not to enter the yard due to high voltage equipment until representatives from PSE&G confirmed that the power was off. As heavy fire and a column of black smoke visible for miles issued from the structure companies could only watch and make sure all exposures were covered until the power was secured, this however did allow time for foam units to arrive, water supplies established and companies to set up and ready to go to work the moment the all clear was given. When the OK was finally given over 2 hours after arrival of the first companies it still took over an hour for the large volumes of foam to finally hit their mark and knock down the majority of the fire however flames continued to flare up until all visible fire was finally extinguished around 18:00 hours but companies remained on the scene until approximately 22:00 when the fire was declared extinguished and the scene was turned over to PSE&G. The cause of the fire although believed to be some type of equipment failure has not been determined and only 1 firefighter suffered minor injuries from being struck in the leg by a hose line. Companies from through out Bergen County responded to the scene and for cover assignments along with some companies from neighboring Passaic County and foam units were requested from through out the region.