For Immediate Release:
October 21, 2025

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announces the following information regarding an investigation into the two-alarm fire that occurred on Ellen Court in Hillsdale, NJ, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. This joint investigation was conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hillsdale Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Woods.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, beginning at approximately 3:30 a.m., the Hillsdale Police Department and Hillsdale Fire Department, along with subsequent mutual aid from surrounding police and fire agencies, responded to a two-alarm fire at a private residence on Ellen Court. Upon arrival, first responders ensured the residence was evacuated. During fire suppression, multiple firefighters from the Hillsdale Fire Department, along with some firefighters from assisting agencies, suffered non-life-threatening burns and other minor injuries. They were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment. No residents were injured, and the firefighters’ injuries were not considered serious.

The Hillsdale Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad of the fire and requested assistance from the Arson Task Force. Arson investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene and initiated a joint investigation with the Hillsdale Police Department, Hillsdale Fire Department, and Hillsdale Fire Prevention Bureau. The investigation that was conducted by the Bergen County Arson Squad, alongside local fire officials, revealed that the fire was not suspicious in nature.

Prosecutor Musella would like to thank the Hillsdale Police Department, Hillsdale Fire Department, and the surrounding fire departments that supplied mutual-aid assistance during the response to this fire. Additionally, Prosecutor Musella thanks the Washington Township Police Department and the Teaneck Fire Department for their participation in the Bergen County Arson Task Force.