A quick-thinking teenager saved two dogs and himself from a burning home on Back Bone Hill Road, Millstone Township, on the afternoon of April 13. CARL WEHMANN MILLSTONE — A teenager saved two dogs and himself after a fire broke out in his home on Back Bone Hill Road.
A call reporting a structure fire was received at 5:37 p.m. April 13, Millstone Township Fire Company Lt. Mike Maloney said.
The fire destroyed the home, but the young man who was home alone “did the right things,” Monmouth County Deputy Fire Marshal Richard Hogan said.
Hogan said when the young man discovered the fire, he led two dogs to safety outdoors and used a cellphone to call 911.
The fire originated outdoors in a duck pen that had a heating lamp and spread to the house, according to Hogan, who said the blaze appeared to be accidental in nature.
Maloney said the fire was brought under control by 7:15 p.m. There were no injuries, but the home was uninhabitable.
Maloney said when he arrived at the scene, he found the house enveloped in heavy smoke, with fire coming though the roof.
The firefighters began fire suppression efforts from the exterior, according to a post on the Millstone Township Fire Company website.
Additional crews arrived and began an interior attack, but encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the upper level of the home. As conditions deteriorated, the crews withdrew from the dwelling, authorities said.
In order to bring the fire under control, firefighters employed an “aerial master stream” and extra hand lines. Several tankers were placed in service to provide a continuous water supply.
Mutual aid was provided by responders from Manalapan, Freehold Township, Upper Freehold Township, Englishtown, Jackson, Cranbury, East Windsor and Plainsboro. Emergency medical personnel from Millstone, Roosevelt and Monroe Township stood by at the scene.
Firefighter rehab was provided by the Gordons Corner Fire Company, Manalapan. The New Jersey State Police and the Millstone Township Department of Public Works also assisted at the scene.
The fire was investigated by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. Maloney said he had not received the report as of April 17.