6 Families Left Homeless After 2 Weekend House Fires In Somerset County

BOUND BROOK, NJ — Three homes are uninhabitable and six families are homeless following two fires that happened over the weekend in Bound Brook.

All of the homes had working smoke alarms that alerted the families to the fires, said Bound Brook Fire Marshall Erik Mickelsen.

Mickelsen stressed the importance of having smoke alarms installed.

Somerset Street Fire

The first fire was reported on Saturday at 6:27 p.m. at 225 Somerset Street at a 4-unit apartment multi-dwelling home.

An electrical fire sparked in the basement of the home and ran up the wall causing significant damage to the point all four families were displaced, said Bound Brook Fire Marshall Erik Mickelsen.

The home remains uninhabitable. Mickelsen said all of the families were able to escape and no injuries were reported. The families are now staying with friends and family.

Mountain Avenue Fire

On Sunday at 5:27 p.m., a fire was reported at 581 Mountain Ave. in Bound Brook that spread to 577 Mountain Ave, said Mickelsen.

"The fire is still under investigation but it appears to have potentially originated from a motor vehicle parked between the two structures," said Mickelsen.

Both families were able to escape and firefighters also rescued two dogs. No injuries were reported.

Fire departments worked for nearly 4 hours to extinguish the fire, according to Bound Brook Fire Department.

Both homes had significant damage and are uninhabitable, said Mickelsen.

Both families are staying with friends and family.

Fundraiser

A fundraiser has been set up for one of the families displaced over the weekend.

Annie Kielblock set up a GoFundMe website to raise money to help her sister, Alyssa, her partner Michael, and their children- Lucca age 11, Charlie age 8, Mikey age 2, and Ellowyn age 6 months.

"Today their house caught fire; leaving nothing but ashes. We are so relieved to know that no family was hurt. They now must begin the painstaking process of grieving for what they had and begin on the path of rebuilding their lives and home," said Kielblock.

Money raised will help cover immediate expenses and anything the insurance can’t cover, said Kielblock.

"Their family has always been generous with their homes and heart, and I hope we can pull together and share with them in return during their time of immense need," said Kielblock.

For more information visit Trupkiewicz Family Fire Fund.

Volunteer

The Finderne Fire Department, which covers the southeast section of Bridgewater Township, is always looking for volunteers.

Volunteers are offered complete protective gear, free training, LOSAP (Length of Service Award Programs), a pay-per-call incentive, a life insurance/disability plan, and an in-house gym.

If interested in joining or have any questions, contact the department through their Facebook page facebook.com/FinderneFD.

The Bound Brook Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. Volunteers are offered LOSAP (Length of Service Award Programs) and a pay-per-call incentive. Anyone interested can message the department on its Facebook page facebook.com/BoundBrookFD.

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