Princeton Township house destroyed by Saturday night fire

Route 206 blocked off for hours.

By: Rachel Silverman
   A Route 206 house near Ewing Street was severely damaged by a Saturday evening fire that forced the closing of the highway for hours.
   The residents fled safely from the fire, and there were no reported injuries among responding emergency personnel.
   "The house is uninhabitable at this time," police Capt. Mark Emann said. "It suffered significant fire, water and smoke damage."
   Princeton Deputy Fire Chief John Bochiaro said, "The second floor was gutted. The first floor in some areas had water damage. Part of the first floor on the right side of the house was untouched."
   The home, which is owned by Jens Jensen and his wife, caught fire at about 9 p.m.
   "It originated in the garage," Capt. Emann said. "The car caught on fire for an unknown reason at this time. The homeowner smelled smoke. She opened up the garage and saw the car on fire."
   At 9:11 p.m., the police department received several calls regarding the fire.
   "Police patrol units were immediately dispatched, and upon their arrival at the scene they reported an active structure fire to a residence," a police report said.
   All three companies of the Princeton Fire Department and Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad were dispatched and Hopewell, South Brunswick and Kingston fire companies also were called to the scene.
   "I would estimate about 50 firefighters were working," said Deputy Chief Bochiaro.
   He added, "When we first got there, we had heavy fire in the attached garage."
   The fire was under control by about 10:30 p.m., according to Capt. Emann, although Route 206 was not reopened until 1:30 a.m. Sunday.