Trapped Dog In Hillsborough Townhouse Fire Dies From Smoke Inhalation

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A fire that broke out in a townhome complex in Hillsborough claimed the life of a resident's dog on Tuesday night.

On Feb. 7 at around 10:26 p.m., the Hillsborough Township Police Department were called to 604 Tall Oak Lane for a report of a structure fire.

Police and firefighters arrived to find the townhome's basement was fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke, said Hillsborough Police Sergeant Jack Howard.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire expeditiously. The townhome and units adjacent to the residence were evacuated during the incident and there were no injuries sustained," said Howard.

Rescuers were able to get the homeowner’s dog, who was trapped on the second floor of the unit, out of the home. Unfortunately, the dog suffered from severe smoke inhalation and died shortly after, said Howard.

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.

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, Montgomery Fire Units 45 and 46,
Somerville Fire Unit 57, Finderne Fire Unit 30, Raritan Borough Fire Unit 52, Robert Wood
Johnson EMS, Montgomery EMS, Hillsborough Township Building Department, and PSE&G.

Hillsborough Twp Station 37 Fire is entirely volunteer-based and always looking for new members. If interested visit hillsboroughfireco2.com.

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