36 years ago today at approximately 6:30 PM, the tones went off for a reported brush fire along the tracks in the Ramsey lumber yard property. Chief Bill Lanning arrived immediately and it was discovered that it was a structure fire and a re-dispatch was sounded. This will be the beginning of the largest fire in Ramsey's history as several large wooden storage sheds full of lumber began to burn rapidly. Within a few minutes, the lumber yard was well involved nearly consuming the first due engine as the water supply was delayed. The engine was backed out of the yard with lines attached, suffering damage to the front of the cab and windshield. The incident required multiple mutual aid units from Bergen County and Rockland County N.Y. Every town in the northwest Bergen Mutual aid group of 13 towns were on scene, along with Rockland County units. Multiple Aerials and deck guns were placed into service and supply lines were stretched for long distances to deliver the water to the scene. The fire was brought under control several hours later and units remained on scene the entire night and the next day as heavy excavating equipment was brought in to sift through the rubble. The busy commuter railroad was shut down for some time as large diameter supply lines were trenched under the tracks. Several homes across the tracks suffered radiant heat damage. The fire was contained to the lumber stock area as the main office was saved as well as several other storage sheds that sustained minor damage. Several vehicles in the yard were also destroyed. Luckily there were only 2 minor injuries reported.