A Rutherford synagogue burned down in a four-alarm fireball that rained embers down on the neighborhood. Flames tore through the structure on Montross Avenue just around 2:45 a.m. on Friday. Firefighters were met by heavy fire upon arrival. They were hampered by live wires down in front of the structure.
The three-story building appeared to collapse within an hour, with firefighters battling hot spots. Three structures were affected by the fire. “Luckily the rabbi and his family, six members total were the only members in the structure, they were able to get out, but the structure is a complete loss,” said Chief John R. Russo, Rutherford Police Department.
There is no word of any injuries, although some firefighters may have been treated at the scene. The building houses Congregation Beth El and the Chabad of South Bergen County and The Meadowlands.
WABC-TV ABC 7 New York City
