By Chris Neidenberg, Staff Writer

Hasbrouck Heights -- Just one day after fiery plan crash posed a major test for borough fire volunteers, firefighters battled a major blaze that destroyed the historic Hamilton Avenue municipal building and prompted the immediate relocation of all departments.

The blaze, which officials said broke out at about 11:30 p.m. Friday night and caused no injuries, required the department’s 47-person squad to snuff out embers arising from their own home.

As they were ironically reviewing their performance during Thursday evening’s small plane crash which killed all four occupants while inside their firehouse, Fire Chief Vincent Monahan said firemen gradually noticed flames arising in the council chambers in the second floor of the main portion of the structure. The building was constructed in the early 1900s.

The chief added that his crew, hampered somewhat by strong wind gusts, swifly sprang into action but did not snuff out the fire until about 4 a.m.

According to Monahan, the department was assisted by 19 other units, including Wood-Ridge, Maywood and Lodi.

Now, Monahan said, his battle-weary crew will be forced to establish a new home "right out on the street" as they and borough officials decide on a future municipal facility.

Jennifer Caroccia, a Hasbrouck Heights Junior-Senior High School yearbook photographer, was taking pictures of the gutted building the morning after the fire in the parking lot of the senior building across the street.

"I was with some friends in my house nearby when one of them saw some flames from the window and heard sirens," Caroccia said. "We went outside and saw a lot of flames, smoke and firefighters."

The borough’s second major disaster response incident in about 30 hours may have further fatigued its emergency volunteers and police personnel, but Mayor William Torre said their perseverance in the wake of such tragedies is a testament to his community’s indomitable spirit.

"We’re tough people," Torre told a group of reporters at a press conference in front of the charred remains Saturday afternoon. "We’re survivors and these people will bounce right back."

Torre added that, while investigators from the Bergen County Arson Squad were probing the fire, the blaze was not believed to be suspicious and an origin had not been determined as of last Saturday afternoon.

For a period of time, Police Chief Michael Colaneri said, his force will set up in temporary trailers outside the old Franklin School gym building before moving into the site.

Monahan lamented the fire as a very sad moment for his proud department.

"This was our home," he pointed out. "It was our heart and soul."