SPARTA, NJ — 17th March — Due to a reported brush fire involving downed power lines, the Sparta Township Fire Department, located at 141 Woodport Road in Sparta, NJ, was sent to Alpine Trail. Engine 3, Engine 7, Chief 1, and Deputy Chief 10 reacted. When crews arrived, they discovered that an unattended parked car had been set on fire by arcing from energised cables. Firefighters created a safe perimeter and controlled the situation until utility technicians could arrive because of the high-voltage hazard.

Crews were able to completely put out the car fire when Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) de-energised the area. Overnight, firefighters responded to multiple calls about downed wires. In particular, during storm-related incidents, officials advise the public to keep a safe distance and treat all downed lines as energised.