Hillsborough Fire Kills Dog, Cat And Hospitalizes Homeowner

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A dog and cat were killed and the homeowner was hospitalized after a fire broke out at a townhome in Hillsborough early Tuesday morning, said police.

On Feb. 14 at around 2:13 a.m., the Hillsborough Township Police Department were called to 29 Chetwood Court off Raider Boulevard for a report of a structure fire.

Emergency responders found the townhome's front porch and living room fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke, said Hillsborough Police Corporal Christopher McMinn.

The townhome and adjacent units were evacuated.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire expeditiously," said McMinn.

The homeowner had non-life-threatening burns and cuts to both feet and was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset for treatment.

The homeowner’s dog and cat were trapped inside the home and recovered. Unfortunately, the dog and cat suffered from severe smoke inhalation and died, said McMinn.

The fire is not considered suspicious but remains under investigation by detectives from the Hillsborough Township Police Department and the Hillsborough Township Bureau of Fire Safety.

This is the second townhome fire to claim a pet's life in the past week in Hillsborough. Read More: Trapped Dog In Hillsborough Townhouse Fire Dies From Smoke Inhalation

The following agencies responded: Hillsborough Fire Marshall, Hillsborough Fire Units 36, 37, 38, Manville Fire Unit 42, Millstone Valley Fire Unit 28, Neshanic Fire Unit 48, Elizabeth Ave Fire Unit 26, Somerset Fire Unit 56, Bradley Gardens Fire Unit 21, Bound Brook Fire Unit 23 Montgomery Fire Unit 45, Somerville Fire Unit 57, Finderne Fire Unit 30, Raritan Borough Fire Unit 52, Somerset County Hazmat, Robert Wood Johnson EMS and ALS, Hillsborough Township Building Department, and PSE&G.

Flagtown Fire/Rescue - Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. #1 is always looking for volunteers. Interested candidates may stop by any Thursday night at the firehouse 7 p.m. There is a 16-18 year old junior member program as well as regular membership for those interested in being firefighters. Some of the benefits include scholarship opportunities, incentives, and a retirement (LOSAP) program.

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