The call came in at 9:40 p.m. Friday for a "heavy fire" reported in a 2 1/2 story wood frame building on Hughes Street in Maplewood near Boyden Avenue and Newark Way. The first arrival on scene was the Maplewood Fire Department and the Maplewood Rescue Squad. Trucks from Irvington, Orange and Millburn also responded.

At 10 p.m. flames were still shooting from the attic or third floor as smoke poured out. The Irvington ladder truck crew was searching the building and stretching a hose to the third floor to battle the heavy flames. Dozens of neighbors stood outside watching the spectacle. One confirmed that the building was currently vacant and that the electricity had been turned off two days ago.

After extinguishing the internal fire, the Maplewood FD then aimed its exterior hose at the front pinnacle of the house and extinguished the last of the visible flames. The fire was officially declared under control by 11:00 p.m.

There were no casualties (despite a gurney on hand just in case). The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Note: This report had originally and incorrectly stated that Irvington FD was the first on scene. That was incorrect. Maplewood FD was the first responder on scene. Thanks to Captain Joseph Callaghan of the Maplewood Fire Department for the correction.