Some Pets Died In North Middletown Fire Wednesday Morning

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — A fire broke out at a home on Crystal Court in Middletown Wednesday morning and although firefighters rescued three dogs, four cats, twenty rabbits and one hamster from the blaze, some of the pets later succumbed to smoke inhalation and died, said the Middletown fire department.

The Middletown fire department is all volunteer.

The call of the fire came in at 10:03 a.m. at a home on Crystal Court in the North Middletown section. It was called in by a neighbor and when First Assistant Chief John Waltz got there, the found flames issuing from the second floor and back porch of the two-story structure.

The occupants had evacuated prior. Firefighters got inside and as they were fighting the blaze, the roof collapsed, forcing firefighters to evacuate and switch temporarily to a defensive attack.

Search and rescue teams confirmed the home was unoccupied of humans, but firefighters had to pull all the pets out. Unfortunately, a few did not make it.

The fire was called under control by First Assistant Chief Waltz at 10:45 a.m. All units were cleared from the scene at 12:30 p.m.

Approximately 45 members from six companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Navesink, Brevent Park, Belford Engine, Community, East Keansburg and Port Monmouth Fire Companies. The MTFD Air Unit and the Safety Unit responded.

No firefighter injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.

All units operated safely under the supervision of Middletown Township Fire Department Fire First Assistant Chief Waltz.

Be the first to know what's happening in your town and area. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this reporter: carly.baldwin@patch.com