HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ — August 4, 2026- A attached garage fire that spread to a home early Tuesday morning resulted in the safe evacuation of 14 people after an off-duty Hopewell Valley volunteer firefighter living next door warned neighbors and assisted them in leaving.

The fire was reported at 5:01 a.m. on Darrow Drive in Hopewell Township when a vehicle was discovered burning inside a detached garage.

Before fire crews arrived, an off-duty firefighter noticed the fire and walked to an adjacent house. As flames spread from the detached garage to the occupied residence, the firefighter notified the residents and assisted all 14 people to safety.

Arriving firefighters found the garage fully involved along with three vehicles in the driveway, with fire extending to the residence. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and limited the damage to the home. The garage and vehicles were destroyed, while the residence sustained only minimal exterior damage, according to the fire company.

Pennington Fire Company was the first responding fire department identified in the available reporting. Assistant Chief Ingram established command.

Mutual-aid and support agencies included the Hopewell Fire Department, Union Fire Company, Lawrence Township Fire Department, Princeton Fire Department and Hopewell Emergency Medical Unit.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The Mercer County Fire Marshal's Office and Hopewell Valley Emergency Services are investigating the cause. Police said the preliminary investigation found nothing suspicious, although the fire remains under investigation.