By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters from across Bergen County are battling a massive structure fire that tore through a historic synagogue in Rutherford early Friday morning, prompting officials to issue safety alerts to nearby residents.
Crews were dispatched to 185 Montross Avenue shortly after 2:35 a.m. following reports of a fire inside the building.
The synagogue, which has served the Rutherford community for over 100 years, was found fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, with parts of the structure already beginning to collapse.
The fire quickly escalated, prompting a four-alarm response as companies from surrounding towns rushed to assist.
Despite firefighters stretching multiple hose lines in an effort to control the blaze, the intensity of the flames made containment difficult.
Large embers were carried by the wind into nearby yards, prompting Rutherford Police to warn residents to remain vigilant.
“There is a large structure fire currently being fought at the corner of Montross and Fairview Avenues,” police said in a community alert.
“Residents in the immediate vicinity are advised to be on the lookout for embers falling on their property and call 911 immediately if a fire starts. All emergency services are currently on scene. Please avoid the area.”
As of 4:00 a.m., the fire remained out of control, and officials reported that a full search of the structure had not yet been conducted due to the hazardous conditions. 
No serious injuries were immediately reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.