Massive Mutual Aid Effort: Multi-County Response Battles 23-Hour Industrial Wood Fire in South Brunswick

Monmouth Junction, NJ - A massive industrial fire drew more than 130 firefighters from across Central New Jersey as crews mounted a nearly 24-hour operation to contain a rapidly spreading blaze at Reliable Wood Products on 234 Broadway Road. First dispatched around 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 30th, the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find heavy flames tearing through an enormous stockpile of unprocessed material.

Upon arrival, Deputy Chief 210 observed intense fire conditions consuming tree trunks, roots, discarded pallets, and raw lumber used for mulch production. Initial arriving units immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack using onboard tank water, while incident commanders quickly recognized the sheer volume of fuel and called for extensive mutual aid assistance.

To overcome significant water supply challenges at the site, emergency personnel orchestrated a massive logistical water operation on Sunday afternoon. A 16-tanker shuttle was established, hauling continuous water from three separate municipal hydrant fill sites throughout the surrounding area. Operations were further bolstered by establishing a large-diameter hose water relay connected to a hydrant at Broadway Road and Roland Road, which ultimately supplied enough sustainable pressure to shut down the tanker shuttle.

Crews deployed a heavy concentration of aerial master streams, engine-mounted deck guns, and portable ground monitors around the perimeter to drown the deep-seated flames. The coordinated regional effort brought together personnel from 38 departments spanning Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union counties.

Following relentless overnight suppression and overhaul operations, units successfully brought the fire under control and cleared the scene around 1:30 PM on Monday, August 31st. The Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department extended its profound gratitude to the dozens of mutual aid agencies whose dedication and teamwork proved vital in resolving the incident safely.