Avenel, NJ - Members of the Avenel Fire Department, along with crews from Port Reading and Woodbridge, were dispatched to the 1200 block of St. Georges Avenue for a reported structure fire. While responding, dispatch confirmed it was an active structure fire with reports of entrapments.

Upon arrival, units found a two-story taxpayer building with heavy fire conditions on Division 2 and occupants attempting self-rescue from the rear. Firefighters, assisted by officers from the Woodbridge Police Department, successfully evacuated all residents through the building’s breezeway to a safe area, where they were treated by multiple EMS agencies.

Fire crews operated several hand lines and master streams in an effort to control the blaze. However, deteriorating conditions and a partial building collapse necessitated a shift to exterior operations only. Departments from Port Reading, Woodbridge, Colonia, Iselin 9, Iselin 11, Fords, and Metuchen worked for several hours before the fire was brought under control.

South Plainfield Fire provided coverage for the Avenel district during the operation. Two civilians sustained non–life-threatening injuries and were treated and transported by township EMS personnel.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Avenel Fire Prevention Bureau but appears to be accidental in nature.

The Avenel Fire Department extended its gratitude to all mutual aid departments, EMS personnel, Woodbridge Police officers, Township CERT members, Mutual Aid Coordinators, and OEM Coordinators for their coordinated efforts and dedication throughout the incident.

Mutual Aid and Supporting Agencies Included:

Woodbridge Township Professional Firefighters Association

Port Reading Fire Department / Port Reading Fire Company #1

Woodbridge Fire Department

Fords Fire Company

Colonia Volunteer Fire Department

Iselin Volunteer Fire Co. #1

Metuchen Fire Company

South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department

Woodbridge Police Department / Woodbridge PBA Local #38

Avenel Colonia First Aid Squad, Inc.

Colonia First Aid Squad

Mayor John E. McCormac