House Explosion, Neighbors Evacuated In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — A house explosion and fire prompted police to evacuate neighboring homes in Westfield on Monday night.

At 10:16 p.m., the Westfield Fire Department went to the report of an active fire and possible explosion in the area of the 100 block of Tudor Oval.

The first Westfield Fire Department unit arrived at 10:19 p.m. to find a confirmed structure fire with evidence of an explosion due to debris scattered around the area, said Westfield Deputy Chief Robert Sawicki.

Firefighters began an exterior attack of the fire. A second alarm was transmitted at 10:23 p.m. bringing in Union County Fire Mutual Aid companies to help.

At 10:38 p.m., a third alarm was transmitted bringing in even more help.

The house was vacant at the time of the fire.

The Westfield Police Department helped with evacuating the nearby houses and traffic control in the area.

The Westfield Rescue Squad, along with emergency medical services from around the county, helped in providing firefighter rehabilitation. No injuries were reported.

The fire was placed under control at 11:40 p.m., with firefighters remaining on the scene into the early morning hours.

The fire is being investigated by the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau, the Westfield Police Department, the Union County Fire Investigation Task Force and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

"The Westfield Fire Department reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure that your smoke alarms are tested monthly and are less than 10 years old," said Sawicki.

For more information on fire safety, contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.

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