A potentially devastating fire was narrowly avoided Friday night after flames broke out inside a multi-family home at 175 Maple Avenue near Jeffrey Place in Monsey.

A neighbor on the property noticed a fire burning inside one of the apartments and attempted to gain entry, but was unable to do so as the unit was unoccupied. Acting quickly, the neighbor called the Monsey Fire Department’s 24/7 emergency hotline, resulting in an even faster response than a traditional 911 call.

Within moments, firefighters from the Monsey Fire Department arrived on scene and forced entry into the apartment, where they found a table on fire. The blaze was determined to have been caused by a Shabbos candle that had fallen and ignited the surface.

Crews quickly knocked down the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to additional units in the multi-family home, a scenario that could have quickly escalated into a major incident.

Mutual aid was requested, bringing additional crews from the Spring Valley Fire Department and the Hillcrest Fire Department to the scene, while the Ramapo Police Department also responded.

No injuries were reported.

Residents are reminded to use caution with open flames and to save the Monsey Fire Department’s emergency hotline, 845-425-9300, a number that played a critical role in preventing this near-disaster.