Pattenburg Firefighters Among Dozens Battling Multi-Alarm House Fire in Bethlehem Township
Photo by Pattenburg Volunteer Fire CompanyCrews advance toward heavy smoke conditions along Charlestown Road as multiple mutual aid units operate at a working residential structure fire in Bethlehem Township.
Photo by Pattenburg Volunteer Fire CompanyLarge-diameter supply lines feed fire apparatus as tankers and engines shuttle water during extended suppression operations.
Photo by Pattenburg Volunteer Fire CompanyEngines line the roadway with supply and attack lines deployed as firefighters continue exterior operations following a partial roof collapse.
Photo by Pattenburg Volunteer Fire CompanyAn aerial master stream operates over the fire building as crews regroup and continue suppression efforts after conditions forced evacuation of interior crews.
Photo by Pattenburg Volunteer Fire CompanyInterior view from inside a fire apparatus shows multiple emergency units operating on scene during overnight fire suppression operations in Bethlehem Township.
November 30, 2025 — At 1:46 p.m. Sunday, the Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched into Bethlehem Township, New Jersey, for a reported working residential structure fire on Charlestown Road, alongside numerous mutual aid departments on the initial box alarm.
First-arriving mutual aid units included Hampton Fire Company Station 13, Glen Gardner Fire Company No. 1, High Bridge Fire Department, Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Company Station 25, Washington Township Fire Department, and South Branch Emergency Services, Inc.. Two Tanker Task Forces were assigned early due to heavy fire conditions and water supply needs, along with numerous additional units for manpower and water support.
Upon arrival, Deputy Chief 25 made entry with the first-arriving crew from Engine 12 on the Delta side of the structure to initiate an interior fire attack. Conditions rapidly deteriorated, and crews were forced to withdraw following a roof collapse. Firefighters transitioned to an exterior attack until the bulk of the fire was knocked down, at which point crews were able to re-enter for final extinguishment and overhaul. All occupants had safely evacuated prior to firefighter arrival.
Station 25 responded with Chief 25, Deputy Chief 25, Lt. 25-1, Lt. 25-2, Engine 25, Tender 25, Squad 25, and Special Services 25. While operations were still underway, Glen Gardner Fire Company was dispatched to a major motor vehicle accident with entrapment on Route 31. From the fireground, Squad 25, along with Firefighter Narbonne, Lt. Rocha, and Lt. Pierson, responded directly to assist with that incident as mutual aid agencies provided station and scene coverage.
Additional agencies assisting at the Bethlehem Township fire included the Clinton Fire Department, Califon Fire Company, Annandale Hose Company, Bethlehem Township Office of Emergency Management, Franklin Township Fire & EMS, Kingwood Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Quakertown Fire Company 91, Fairmount Fire Company No. 1, Holland Township Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Oldwick Fire Company, Milford Fire Company Station 92, Bloomsbury Hose Company #1, and the Lebanon Township Fire Department, along with several others providing support.
Fire officials noted that this time of year is especially difficult for families impacted by sudden loss and emergencies and asked the public to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers. The large-scale response and coordinated efforts of dozens of fire and EMS agencies were critical in controlling the fire and managing simultaneous emergencies across the region.
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