PISCATAWAY, NJ - On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 2:55 p.m., the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to 309 Bound Brook Ave. for a reported structure fire. After receiving multiple 911 calls, including one from the homeowner reporting the house was on fire, the first-due chief transmitted a first-alarm box. As patrol units arrived, they confirmed the house was on fire.

Upon the arrival of the chief, he reported a working fire with heavy fire showing from the rear and side of the house and requested a second alarm, along with the township general. Further investigation revealed heavy fire throughout the structure and through the roof.

Shortly after units arrived and initiated an interior attack, conditions rapidly deteriorated, prompting crews to evacuate the structure. Firefighters also discovered multiple propane tanks involved in the fire. Shortly after crews transitioned to an exterior attack, the Bravo side of the house collapsed. All members working on the roof evacuated after completing ventilation cuts, followed by a major roof collapse on the Charlie/Delta side.

In total, crews established three water supplies and operated five handlines, one tower ladder, and one deck gun before conditions allowed firefighters to re-enter the structure for overhaul. Companies operated in blistering heat and humidity for nearly three hours before the fire was fully extinguished.

Units on the scene included River Road Engine 652, Ladder 656, Rescue 655; New Market Engine 2 and Truck 6; Holmes Marshall Squad 675 and Engine 671; Possumtown Engine 631; Arbor Hose Engine 641; North Stelton Ladder 627; East Franklin Squad 27; South Plainfield Engine 5; Bound Brook Squad 23; Metuchen Engine 1; Middlesex County HazMat HM-5 and HM-7; and multiple cover companies throughout the township.