House, Car, Brush Fires Spark Across Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — It's been a busy week for volunteer firefighters across Somerset County as multiple fires sparked.

Bedminster

On Nov. 2, Peapack Gladstone Fire Department was asked to help Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department for a reported deck fire in Knollcrest.

Bernardsville Fire Co. No. 1 & First Aid Squad, Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, Liberty Corner Fire Company, North Branch Volunteer Fire Company, and Far Hills - Bedminster First Aid Squad also helped extinguish the fire.

The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Departmentalso reported a brushfire on Cedar Ridge and Country Club this weekend.

Franklin

On Nov. 1 at 2 a.m., Franklin District 1 was called to an address on Cortelyous Lane for a reported structure fire. Initial reports from a passerby was a barn on fire, but it was quickly updated to a house on fire, said Millstone Valley Fire Department.

A second alarm was called along with tankers due to there being no hydrants in the area.

The fire was extinguished and the scene was cleared around 5:30 a.m.

Bridgewater

On Oct. 31 at 9:19 p.m., Finderne Fire Department was called to help Green Knoll Fire Department with an electric vehicle on fire on Interstate 287. Engine 302 went to the scene while Engine 301 set up a full site for tankers at the Promenade.

Hillsborough Twp Station 37 Fire also responded to help extinguish the fire.

Hillsborough

On Oct. 29 at around 1:30 p.m., Flagtown Fire/Rescue - Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. #1were called to a possible brush fire on Amwell Road but later was reported as a camper trailer on fire spreading to the adjacent building.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the building to the roof in the rear.

Mutual aid companies from several nearby communities helped on the scene including Montgomery 46, Millstone Valley 28, North Branch 49. NJ Forest Fire Service helped with a small brush fire behind the building.

RWJ EMS provided a stand-by ambulance. Hillsborough Police helped with traffic and working with the Fire Safety Bureau on the investigation.

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service's Stage 3 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Somerset County area in response to prolonged dry conditions and increased wildfire activity until further notice.

"All fires will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed," according to NJ Forest Fire Service.

The Peapack Gladstone Fire Department also reminded residents to use extreme caution and to follow the National Weather Services's Red Flag Warning.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain," said the fire department.

Should you see smoke, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 immediately.

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