Stillwater, NJ — January 9 — The fire departments of Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company, Fredon, and Branchville responded to a reported chimney fire in the township's Plymouth Lake area. This was the department's ninth incident in nine days to begin the year.

When Chief 42-1 arrived, he verified that the chimney fire was still raging. Engine 42 checked for expansion into the attic and walls using a thermal imaging camera. While teams from Fredon and Hampton removed and put out flaming debris from the cleanout, Branchville's ladder business cleared chimneys. The units ran for almost an hour. There were no reports of structural damage or extensions. To lessen creosote buildup, fire officials advise locals to have their chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected at least twice a year.