A fire broke out early Thursday morning at a home in Lakewood’s Westgate neighborhood.
The blaze broke out in the Sanztown home around 4:00 AM and quickly spread through the structure – flames could be seen shooting from the home.
No injuries were reported.
UPDATE: Sifrei Torah that were inside the home were rescued by the Lakewood Fire Department, officials tell TLS
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
It’s surprising that in Lakewood in 2025 the fire department took so long to respond. as a bystander i watched how the fire grew while the fire dept took at least 10 minutes to arrive.
4.04.01 lakewood dispatched fd
4.05.14 1st engine on the road
4.10.08 1st engine on scene
Took a whole 5 for a 20 ton truck to rumble out of its house get through the small roads get into Westgate and be on scene in about 5 min from once they pulled out of the fire house even at 4am they is great timing.
If you do not know what you are talking about SILENCE IS GOLDEN.
I believe the fire department near by was there!
Yes the VOLUNTEER company that is near by was on scene (about 10 min after the career staff)
It’s sick and dysfunctional, but you can’t blame the fire dept, Lakewood is a Township, not a city, so most firefighters are volunteers, not working for pay. So, you can’t expect them to show up in 30 seconds at 4am… I think Lakewood is about to reach the population to become a city soon, which could result in a more functional fire dept (hopefully)…
The Fire Department ALWAYS goes as quick as possible. Keep in mind that the career first responders were coming from their stations on the other side of town.
I heard from a friend that maybe the fire started from a barbecue.
The family put out the flames on all the charcoals in the barbecue, but obviously it appears that the fire looks like it is completely out and somehow hours later the coals by itself reignited, that is scary.
I am wondering what is the best method to make sure all those coals are completely out.
Hashem should help this family to get back into a house with furniture and the family should be Zoche that the whole family should quickly get set up get organized in a new place and the family should continue to function like a regular family like all of us.
Hashem should help them with all the funds that will be needed.
Where is the link to the fundraiser?
https://thelakewoodscoop.com/news/hatzilu-hatzilu-rav-zimbal-shlita-rav-sorotzkin-shlita-call-for-lakewood-fire-help/