Charging Cell Phone Causes South Brunswick Fire, 911 Caller Says

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A two-alarm fire destroyed this Fresh Ponds Road home Wednesday night, but the family was able to get out safely, South Brunswick police said in a Nixle alert.

The call of the fire came in at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday, said police: The fire started when a cell phone charging in a power strip in the basement got too hot and ignited, according to the person who initially called 911. The police and firefighters who got there found flames shooting out of the side and rear of the home.

Firefighters from all three Township fire companies – Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park and Kingston — responded to the blaze.

“When we arrived, we found the family was out of the home and fire was rapidly extending from the basement to the first floor and attic space of the single-family ranch-style home," said Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith. "Firefighters made an exterior attack and were able to knock down all visible flames. They then made entry and completed extinguishment."

The house suffered heavy fire and smoke damage and was deemed uninhabitable. There were no injuries. The family with school-aged children is staying with relatives in the area.

In addition to the South Brunswick Fire Departments, the Brookview Fire Company, North Brunswick Fire Co. #2, East Brunswick Fire District #1, and Monroe Township Fire District #3, Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park and North Brunswick First Aid Squads all responded.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau.

All photos used with permission from South Brunswick police.