For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2025

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announces the following information regarding the investigation into the five-alarm fire that occurred on Palisade Avenue in Bogota, NJ, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. This joint investigation was conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck and the Bogota Police Department under the direction of Chief Daniel Maye.

On Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:08 p.m., the Bogota Police Department and Bogota Fire Department, along with mutual aid from surrounding agencies, responded to a five-alarm fire at a multi-family apartment building on Palisade Avenue. One female victim, who was able to exit the structure prior to the arrival of first responders, was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Her injuries are not believed to be serious.

The Bogota Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad of the fire and requested assistance from the Bergen County Arson Task Force. Arson investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and initiated an investigation in conjunction with the Bogota Police Department, Bogota Fire Department, and Bogota Fire Prevention Bureau. The investigation conducted by the Bergen County Arson Squad and local fire officials into the fire revealed that it does not appear suspicious in nature.

Prosecutor Musella would like to thank the Bogota Police Department, Bogota Fire Department, Bogota Fire Prevention Bureau, and the surrounding Fire Departments that supplied mutual-aid assistance during the response to this fire. Additionally, Prosecutor Musella thanks the River Vale Police Department for their participation in the Bergen County Arson Task Force.