Initial calls were for a 2nd alarm fire in the basement of the hotel on U.S. 46.
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Fire officials report 3 minor injuries. One person jumped out of the window, but was not hurt.
The fire started at about 1:30 p.m. on the first floor, and spread to the second and third floors, forcing the hotel to be evacuated.
The hotel is on Route 46 near the intersection with the Garden State Parkway. The fire forced the temporary closure of eastbound Route 46.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Two young firefighters, 22-year old Joel Fernandez and 19-year old Tyler Lewinski, helped pull two people from the burning building from their firetruck ladder.
Tyler has been with the Engine 1 company of the Elmwood Park Fire Department for three years, Joel for four, and it was not only the biggest fire they had ever helped fight, it was their first time saving lives.
Engine 1 is an all-volunteer company, with 25 firefighters in all.
