20 Homes Evacuated, Family Displaced In South Brunswick Gas Leak

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A fire and subsequent gas leak displaced a South Brunswick family with three school-aged children Saturday evening, South Brunswick police report. And up to 20 homes nearby on Kory Drive had to be evacuated Saturday evening as a precaution.

The fire originated at 6 p.m. on Kory Drive. When officers and firefighters arrived they found smoke coming from the top floor of the two-story home. The home had already been evacuated. Kendall Park Fire Department arrived and contained the fire to one area of the home.

While in the home firefighters discovered an active gas leak and were forced to back out of the residence. Firefighters and police officers evacuated 20 homes nearby where the fire was while they waited for PSE&G to come secure the gas line. After the gas was turned off, firefighters went back into the home to make sure the fire was out.

"There were 55 firefighters on scene and they were able to quickly put out the fire but had to wait for the gas to be shut off to be sure," said Kendall Park Fire Chief Chris Perez.

The home suffered extensive damage and was left uninhabitable. The family is currently staying with relatives and this GoFundMe has been set up to help them; so far many South Brunswick neighbors have donated: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sah86-fire-recovery-fund

The cause of the fire was not suspicious but the exact cause will be determined by the South Brunswick Fire Marshal. All three Township fire departments - Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston responded to the blaze. The Kendall Park First Aid also responded.