Homeowner Escapes, Bridgewater House Fire Under Investigation

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Volunteer firefighters battled a house fire that sparked on Wednesday night in the Sunset Lake area of Martinsville in Bridgewater.

At 8:43 p.m., the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department went to Dogwood Drive and found the front porch "heavily involved and starting to extend to the roof," said Martinsville Fire Chief Kyle Fernandes to Patch.

A tanker was also called due to some sections of the Sunset Lake area lacking fire hydrants. However, the specific house was located in an area with hydrants, and a water supply was secured from them.

The homeowner was home at the time of the fire and was able to evacuate.

With the help of the fire departments from Green Knoll, Far Hills-Bedminster, Findene, and Warren, the fire was brought under control within an hour. Additionally, Liberty Corner firefighters stood by at the fire department to provide coverage for Martinsville during the fire.

Firefighters were able to return home around 1:30 a.m., said Bill Rose with the Martinsville Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, Fernandes said that it appears to have begun in the living room, near the fireplace.

The Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for volunteers. If interested in volunteering or for more information, visit martinsvillefire.org or call 732-469-1955 or facebook.com/Station43. Or stop by the fire station at 1912 Washington Walley Road on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.