Firefighters Extinguish Large Brush Fire In Monmouth County

Some 65 firefighters extinguished a large, wind-driven fire that consumed several acres of brush in Middletown Wednesday afternoon.

Two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The brush fire, in a swampy area between Pews Creek and Raynor Avenue in the East Keansburg section of town, was reported around 3:25 p.m.

First Assistant Fire Chief Anthony Citarella assumed initial command, and quickly called in more firefighters, according to John Isaksen, a spokesman for the fire department.

In a news release, Isaksen said:

Eight off-road brush trucks were also brought to the scene, so firefighters could access the remote area.

They had to use multiple hand lines that were stretched several hundred feet into the swampy area to get to the fire, and as they fought it, the wind shifted.

Department Deputy Chief John Gorsegner declared the fire under control at 5 p.m., and the scene was clear by 5:45 p.m.

Firefighters from eight companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department - Navesink, Brevent Park, Belford Engine, Community, East Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford Independent and Lincroft fire companies - fought the blaze.

The Middletown and Port Monmouth Aid Squads also responded.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention office.

Photos courtesy of Middletown Township Fire Department Photographer Laurie Kegley