Bedroom Fire

April 2, 2007

At approximately 3:00 pm, New Hackensack was dispatched to this house fire on Barbara Drive.  The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire themselves, however once they realized they were fighting a losing battle, they exited the home, closing the bedroom door behind them.  Upon arrival, heavy smoke could be seen exiting the bedroom window.  Crews entered the home and confined the fire to the bedroom.  The home sustained smoke and water damage, while fire damage was contained to the bedroom.  The occupants were assisted by the American Red Cross.  New Hackensack received mutual aid assistance from New Hamburg Fire Department who went on standby upon arrival.  The occupants stated that the fire was started when an occupant tried to refill a lighter with lighter fluid and overfilled the lighter, spilling fluid on the bed.  After igniting the lighter, a fire started on the mattress and spread rapidly through the room.