Cause of Hillsborough Warehouse Fire Can Not Be Determined

Hillsborough, NJ -- A cause of the massive fire in Hillsborough has been deemed undetermined by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT).

The five-alarm fire broke out on Feb. 12 resulting in more than $50 million in damages and destroyed two buildings that encompassed approximately 500,000 square feet.

More than 90 fire companies responded with more than 200 emergency vehicles from six different counties.

The ATF began investigating the fire scene at Veterans Industrial Park, 152 U.S. Route 206, Hillsborough Township on Feb. 18, which lasted 10 days.

“Based on the scene examination and witness statements, it was determined that the fire originated in the high rack storage area of building 14 in the west side of unit C,” the ATF announced in a release Tuesday. “The ignition source for the fire could not be determined and therefore the fire was classified as undetermined.”

Although a cause was undetermined, the ATF did rule out any foul play.

“There was no indication that the fire was caused by an intentional act,” the ATF stated.

The investigation of the fire was completed by the NRT and ATF Newark, New York and Philadelphia Field Divisions together with investigators from the Hillsborough Township Fire Marshal’s Office, the Hillsborough Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Inspector General.

Officials followed up on more than 70 investigative leads and conducting more than 50 interviews throughout the investigation.

“Investigating a fire of this size is truly a team effort,” said ATF Newark Field Division Special Agent in Charge George P. Belsky in the release. “We appreciate the dedication of our federal, state and local partners working with us to thoroughly investigate this fire to determine its origin and cause.”

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