MIDDLETOWN — The cause of a house fire that broke out in the North Middletown section of the township is currently under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention office, according to authorities.
At approximately 11:41 a.m. Dec. 19, the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to a call of smoke at 171 Route 36, in the North Middletown area of the township, according to Dennis W. Fowler, public information officer for the department.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a heavy volume of smoke and fire emanating from a building’s second-floor bedroom.
According to Fowler, firefighters quickly ensured that all residents safely exited the structure and proceed to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters contained the blaze to the second floor bedroom, using Thermal Imaging Cameras and used a series of fans to ventilate the smoke from the structure, Fowler said. There was heavy smoke and minor water damage to other areas of the structure, according to Fowler.
Deputy Chief John Gorsegner declared the fire under control by noon and responding units cleared the scene by approximately 2:30 p.m.
Approximately 60 firefighters from the Belford Engine, Belford Independent, East Keansburg and Port Monmouth Fire Companies responded to the scene.
Also assisting at the scene were the Middletown Township Fire Department’s Air Support Unit and the Fairview First Aid Squad stood by during the incident.
According to Fowler, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Laura Steinmetz, chief communications officer for the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, said assistance was quickly given to those affected by the blaze.
“American Red Cross responded to a request for assistance on Dec. 19 at 171 Highway 36 in Middletown, Monmouth County,” she said. “Red Cross Disaster Volunteers met with one adult female who was displaced from her home and was provided care, comfort and emergency assistance including food, clothing and temporary lodging.”