On Thursday April 22nd at 1312hours the Cedar Grove Fire Department responded to the Pilgrim Diner for a “fire on the roof”. The fire was reported by Deputy Chief Zaccaria, who was driving northbound on Rt. 23 when he came upon the incident. Deputy Chief Zaccaria notified the Cedar Grove Police Department and evacuated the Pilgrim Diner. CGFD units arrived within minutes of the dispatch. Chief Bannon established command of the scene, ordered a search and had 2 hand lines into operation. The fire was mostly contained to the kitchen exhaust fan and was put out within minutes. The search of the building turned up negative. A special thanks to Caldwell Fire Department for standing by as the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT),and Montclair, North Caldwell, and Fairfield Fire Departments for providing coverage during the incident. All crews were cleared at approximately 14:45.

At 0936 hrs, the Cedar Grove Fire Department was dispatched on a reported car fire in the parking lot of 204 Grove Ave, Essex County Hospital Center.  Chief Bannon arrived on scene and established command and notified incoming fire units of a working car fire that was next to other parked vehicles.

Engine 73 and Engine 71 arrived and quickly put a 1 ¾” hand line into operation off E-73 extinguishing the fire within minutes.  All companies picked up at approximately 1020hrs.