The Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 451 Port Monmouth Road in the North Middletown section of the Township at 6:03 p.m. on Dec. 28.
The resident, upon returning home, found smoke issuing from the structure in the area of the kitchen and attempted to extinguish the fire. When this attempt failed, the resident went to a neighbor’s residence to get another fire extinguisher. At this point the fire had progressed past the use of a household extinguisher and 911 was notified.
Upon arrival, emergency units reported heavy fire issuing from the left side and attic of the structure. Two interior attack lines were used to suppress the fire. Thermal imaging cameras were employed to check for extension of the fire, which was contained primarily to the kitchen, living room and attic with heat and smoke damage to the bedroom areas.
The fire was declared under control at approximately 6:30 p.m., and there were no injuries during the incident.
Approximately 45 members from five companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call, including East Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford Independent, Belford Engine and Old Village fire companies. Additional support was provided by the MTFD Air Unit and Fire Police. All units on scene operated under the command of Department Chief John Gorsegner.
The Middletown Township Fire Department would like to remind all residents to call 911 immediately if there is any kind of fire at your home or anywhere else you may be. Fire doubles in size every 30 seconds and the minutes you save by calling 911 can be the difference between saving your house or not.
The fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Marshall’s office.