UNION TWP., NJ - At approximately 3:48 A.M. on Sunday, May 1st, Clinton Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire with reported occupants trapped on Sam Bonnell Drive in Union Township (CFD primary response area).

The initial dispatch activated mutual aid from Annandale Hose Company, Lebanon Borough Fire Company, Quakertown Fire Company, High Bridge Fire Department, Califon Fire Company, Pattenburg Fire Company, EMS units from South Branch Emergency Services, as well as New Jersey State Police. A second-alarm was also transmitted, bringing in additional mutual aid departments and the North County Tender Task Force.

Upon arrival, companies found heavy fire showing from the building, as well as multiple victims, both inside and outside of the structure. Evacuation of residents and fire attack was initiated. The fire was determined to be under control around 6:45 A.M. Extensive overhaul was conducted to fully extinguish the fire. CFD cleared the scene at approximately 12:35 P.M.

Two patients were flown via air medical helicopter to area hospitals with trauma and burn injuries, and one patient was transported by ground ambulance. An update on their current condition was not immediately available. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries and released on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.