Two Hospitalized After Fire on Brinkerhoff St in Ridgefield Park, NJ

Ridgefield Park, NJ (September 7, 2026) – Two tenants were hospitalized early Saturday, September 5, after a fire broke out at a four-story apartment building on Brinkerhoff Street near Euclid Avenue.

According to Ridgefield Park Fire, emergency units arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of the ground floor and several windows extending up the building shortly before 4:30 a.m. 

Crews worked quickly to knock down the flames and get residents and pets out safely, some using aerial and ground ladders.

Additional emergency units from several neighboring towns assisted at the 15-unit building. No further details about the extent of the damage were released.

Local investigators are now working to determine what caused the fire. 

We hope the two hospitalized tenants have a smooth recovery.

Landlord Responsibilities After Apartment Fires in Ridgefield Park, NJ

Apartment fires in older, densely built areas like Ridgefield Park, where multi-unit buildings sit close together, tend to raise questions about whether the building itself was properly maintained.

New Jersey law places a duty on landlords to keep rental properties reasonably safe, which includes working smoke detectors, functional fire escapes, and wiring that meets code.

When a tenant is displaced or hurt in a fire, they can face smoke inhalation, burns, and respiratory complications, along with the loss of personal belongings and, typically, temporary housing costs while repairs are made. These consequences can add up quickly, even when physical injuries are considered minor at first.

Where negligence is found, a claim may be brought against a landlord or property management company, separate from anything a renter's insurance policy might cover.

In such cases, a personal injury lawyer can help review fire marshal reports and building maintenance records to determine whether a violation, such as a blocked exit or disabled alarm system, contributed to the fire spreading as it did. 

At Metro Law, we know that fires like this can leave tenants unsure of what comes next. If you have been injured in a fire, our team can go over the details of your situation and explain what your options may look like under New Jersey law. 

You can call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to discuss your case with us. We are here to answer all your questions.