November 30, 2025 — Just after 1:45 p.m. this afternoon, the Glen Gardner Fire Company was dispatched on Fire Box 4218 into Bethlehem Township for a reported structure fire on Charlestown Road, with Hampton Fire as the primary department.

Engine 12 and Tender 12 were the first-arriving fire apparatus and quickly stretched two hose lines, making an interior attack through both the front door and the garage. As crews advanced, conditions deteriorated rapidly, leading to a roof collapse and a partial floor collapse that forced Engine 12’s crew to evacuate the building and transition to defensive operations.

Tender 12 operated as a nurse tender and supplied additional manpower at the scene. Squad 12, Wagon 12, Brush 12, and Utility 12 also responded, providing personnel for fire extinguishment and overhaul operations. Brush 12 played a critical role in water supply, drafting an estimated 30,000 gallons from a swimming pool until the water level became too low to continue.

With all front-line fire suppression apparatus committed, an engine from Washington Boro was requested to cover Glen Gardner’s station. That crew handled two additional calls for service during the incident: a fire alarm activation and a motor vehicle accident with an entrapped victim.

All Glen Gardner fire apparatus returned to the station shortly after 8:30 p.m., wrapping up nearly seven hours of continuous operations and coverage.