Fast Response on South Washington Ave: Dunellen and Green Brook Firefighters Clear Smoke-Filled Dwelling

DUNELLEN, NJ — Firefighters executed rapid search and overhaul operations Saturday afternoon following initial emergency dispatches reporting possible victim entrapment in a smoke-filled dwelling.

On September 12, the Dunellen Defender Fire Company #1, along with automatic mutual aid from the Green Brook Volunteer Fire Company (Somerset County), was dispatched to the 200 block of South Washington Avenue in Middlesex County for a reported structure fire with an unaccounted-for occupant on the second floor.

Arriving first on scene, the Dunellen Fire Chief and officers from the Dunellen Borough Police Department encountered heavy smoke pushing from the rear of the second floor. Demonstrating aggressive fireground leadership, the Dunellen Chief and an assisting Chief from the New Market Fire Department immediately made entry into the structure to conduct a primary search and verify evacuation. The occupant was safely located and reported having used a portable fire extinguisher and domestic water to knock down the bulk of the fire prior to arrival.

Incoming fire crews stretched water can extinguishers to open up and douse remaining hot spots in the affected area while truck companies set up positive-pressure ventilation to clear heavy residual smoke from the living spaces.No injuries were reported among civilians or first responders. Bound Brook EMS arrived on scene to evaluate a young child who was present during the incident as a precautionary measure.

The origin and cause of the fire remain under official investigation by the Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s Office.