Large House Fire Occurs In Lincroft Section Of Middletown Saturday

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A large fire broke out in a private home in the Lincroft section of Middletown Saturday morning, according to the Middletown Fire Department.

The fire started in the garage of a ranch home on the 1600 block of West Front Street. It was someone walking by who first saw the home on fire and called 911 at 9:08 a.m.

The caller reported there was a fire starting in the garage with big flames and also said people were seen evacuating the structure, including someone using a wheelchair.

Middletown police officers, first to arrive on the scene, confirmed heavy fire in the garage area.

The first arriving MTFD Deputy John Waltz arrived and then requested backup units, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and other support units. The fire by then had spread to the living area of the home.

Middletown's all-volunteer firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the fire until all flames were extinguished, and 12 firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and needed to be treated by Fairview and Leonardo First Aid Squads.

The building utilities were secured by New Jersey Natural Gas, Jersey Central Power and Light and New Jersey American Water.

The fire was placed under control by Waltz at 9:30 a.m.

Approximately 47 firefighters from four companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Navesink, Middletown Fire Company No.1, River Plaza Hose and Lincroft Fire companies. Additionally the MTFD Air Unit, Fire Police and the Safety Unit also responded.

It should be noted while this fire was being fought, the Middletown Fire Dept. was also dispatched to Brookdale Community College for a fire alarm.

The fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Marshal’s office under the direction of Fire Marshal Edward Skelly.