July 29, 2022

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Just before 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 24th, the Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, and South Brunswick Police Department were dispatched to Davids Court for a smoke condition in the residence and a possible basement fire. First arriving police officers and fire chiefs observed heavy smoke coming from one residence of the two-family dwelling. Firefighters entered the home and located a working fire in the basement, which was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on scene until just after 10 PM, extinguishing hot spots and ventilating smoke and carbon monoxide that had spread throughout both residences. Responding to the fire were the Monmouth Junction, Kingston & Kendall Park Fire Departments. Firefighters from Jamesburg and Plainsboro covered South Brunswick during the incident. EMS units from South Brunswick, Plainsboro, and North Brunswick responded to the scene to provide monitoring and rehab for firefighters. All residents escaped the home, and there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau.

Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith said, “Basement fires are one of the most dangerous types of fires we can respond to. The firefighters did a great job advancing to the basement and quickly extinguishing the fire, under very hot and smokey conditions. The humid weather certainly added to the challenge for our firefighters with the amount of protective gear we have to wear.”

This fire also demonstrates the importance of keeping doors and windows closed in the event of a fire. Fortunately, the door at the top of the stairs to the basement, and the few basement windows, were all closed. This helped to limit the smoke spread and the amount of oxygen available to feed the fire. We must also remind residents to exit a home or building immediately in the event of smoke or fire, and call 9-1-1 right away once safely outside.

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