Hackensack Firefighters Rescue Raccoon Family After Flash Flooding

Hackensack firefighters responded to numerous calls for assistance Sunday as heavy rain caused flash flooding, water damage and water rescues in parts of the city.

Fire Capt. Kurt Nemeczek said the department spent about five hours handling calls in the north end of Hackensack. Numerous residents and motorists were assisted in the area of Main Street, Johnson Avenue and Kinderkamack Road, he said. The calls included evacuation assistance and responses to flooding in private homes and apartment buildings.

Support from neighboring agencies

The department’s high-water vehicle is currently out of service. Firefighters received assistance from South Hackensack and Department of Public Works crews, who helped with barricades and traffic control.

Final rescue after rain ends

After the rain stopped, crews checking the area of Main Street and South Lake Drive made one final rescue. Firefighters heard scratching coming from a large trash container stuck in floodwaters. Inside, they found a family of raccoons that had weathered the storm. Firefighters placed a ladder in the container, allowing the raccoons to climb to safety.

The information was reported by News 12 New Jersey.