Fire forces them to evacuate
Lightning struck the roof of a townhouse building at 48-44 Bloomingdale Drive in the early morning off Friday, June 17, causing a fire that forced one family from their home.
Township police said Matthew and Alison Mingle weren’t able to return to their residence after lighting struck the roof and ignited a fire in the attic of the building. Other units were temporarily evacuated while the fire was extinguished, which was contained to one dwelling.
Other residents were able to return home.
In addition to police, responding were Hillsborough fire departments 36, 37 and ýPage=003 Column=001 OK,0019.02þ
38, as well as fire units from Manville, Finderne, Neshanic, Millstone and Montgomery. The Hillsborough rescue squad, building department and Office of Emergency Management were also on scene.
Mr. Mingle, who is the supervisor of social studies and REACH program for the township schools, said he was awakened by the storm at about 3 a.m.
“Within a few minutes there was a strike that was louder and more impactful than the rest,” he said. “The smoke detector in my basement immediately went off and, while I was in the basement investigating, my wife ýPage=003 Column=002 OK,0019.02þ
began to smell smoke on the second floor. We evacuated and called 9-1-1.
“The first Hillsborough Fire Department units were on the scene within a few minutes and did a masterful job extinguishing the fire and containing the damage,” he said. “Their attention to detail that morning and later in the day when the fire marshals returned to conduct their investigation has been a blessing. ýPage=003 Column=003 OK,0009.00þ
We knew Hillsborough was a great place to live and our experience on Friday morning made that even more evident.”
He said his insurance company put he and his wife up in a nearby hotel temporarily while they seek more permanent housing until the townhouse can be repaired.
“Our friends and family, and my colleagues in the Hillsborough Township schools have been incredibly supportive,” said Mr. Mingle.