Two Fair Lawn firefighters entered a burning home in near-zero visibility on November 17 and rescued an elderly, non-ambulatory man, carrying him to safety.

The fire on Fair Lawn’s 28th Street prompted the rescue of the elderly man who could not walk, as crews arrived around mid-afternoon.

A closed door to the fire room helped isolate the blaze and prevent its spread, per the fire chief.

Multiple emergency services—Fair Lawn Rescue Squad, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Police Department, and Office of Emergency Management—assisted at the scene.

About 25 firefighters from all four Fair Lawn fire companies responded, with the fire contained to a first-floor bedroom and brought under control by roughly 4:45 p.m.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is investigating the cause, while Fire Chief Ralph Rinaldo commends the rapid, heroic actions taken in near-zero visibility.

Assistant Chief Mike Salvini and Deputy Chief Marc Palmieri entered the building, located the resident on the second floor, and evacuated him to safety, drawing praise from the chief.

The rescued man and another resident were transported to Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and were expected to survive; one firefighter was treated on scene.