By Rebecca Heath
nj.com
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. — A firefighter sustained a severe injury to her arm, and a guest suffered minor injuries from a fire at a New Jersey motel, authorities said Wednesday.
Emergency responders arrived at the Town House Inn & Suites on Route 46 East in Elmwood Park, after receiving a call at approximately 11:10 a.m. Wednesday, police Chief Michael Foligno said.
Firefighters started extinguishing the blaze, which originated in a room on the second floor, when they realized a guest was trapped in the room, according to Foligno.
While attempting to safely rescue the guest, a female firefighter had to break the glass window, causing a “pretty severe laceration” to her arm that required stitches. Both the firefighter and the guest, who sustained minor injuries, were treated and released from a local hospital, Foligno said.
According to Foligno, a number of firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. One firefighter passed out, but he is now “doing better.”
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“The fire department did an outstanding job. They responded quickly,” Foligno said.
Foligno said the motel will likely be out of commission for several months as a result of extensive fire and water damage. No surrounding buildings were affected by the fire.
The motel owners could not immediately be reached for comment.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire, said Foligno.
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