West Caldwell Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire

Firefighters responded to a chimney fire in West Caldwell Wednesday night that started with a smoky fireplace, officials said.

No one was injured in the fire, which took place at 49 Parkview Terrace.

West Caldwell Fire Chief James Alvine said the homeowner called in the fire at 6:45 p.m. when smoke from her fireplace filled the house with smoke.

When firefighters arrived, Alvine said, the house was smoky. However, the smoke soon became heavier and firefighters were forced to open up the walls surrounding the fireplace.

Once the walls were opened up, Alvine said firefighters saw flames in both the interior and exterior walls and extinguished the blaze.

"Everyone did a great job as the fire was stopped before the ridge line of the roof,” Alvine said. “If fire got to the ridge line, it would have spread across the entire roof with the wind gusts we were having."

The fire has been deemed accidental, but the cause remains under investigation.

Caldwell and Verona fire officials provided mutual aid during the fire.

— Patch Staff Reports