Monday, June 26, 2017 – 80 Cottontail Lane, Somerset, NJ

At approximately 19:47 hours Station 26 and 56 were dispatched to a car into a building at 80 Cottontail Lane, Somerset.  Upon the arrival of the the first fire units, it was determined that the exterior facade and window assemblies of the building were compromised. This condition prohibited the vehicle from being removed safely without emergency shoring.  Deputy Chief Scott (Car 26-2) assumed command of the incident.  Chief Sudo (Car 56) took over incident operations. Car 56-2 (DC. Gardner), R-56, E56-2, U56 w/ Technical Rescue Trailer 56, L-26 and other support units inserted emergency shoring to support the damaged area so the vehicle could be removed.  The operation lasted approximately 2 hours, there were no reported serious injuries.  

3/3/17 – 05:34 Somerset Fire & Rescue Co. No. 1 responded on a RIC assignment to a 2nd alarm fire in fire district 3.  Crews operated on the scene for approximately 1 hour no injuries were reported.

3/2/17 – 15:32  Fire District No. 1 companies were dispatched to a possible structure fire at 397 Windfall Ln.  While responding a working fire was confirmed by FM8-E.  Car 26 (Fredericks) upgraded the call to what would eventually become 2 full alarms.  The first arriving units immediately established a water supply, protected the exposure buildings and deployed multiple heavy water streams on the fire building.  The main body of fire was under control in approximately 30 minutes.  The crews remained on the scene for a few hours to completely extinguish the fire with the assistance of a piece of heavy equipment.  No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department.

Stations 56 and 26 were dispatched to a MVC overturned with entrapment on Cottontail Lane near Weston Canal Road.  Rescue 56 and E261 Arrived on the scene to find a 2 vehicle MVC involving a delivery truck and a single passinger vehicle.  Upon the arrival of the first fire units it was determined by medical personnel on the scene that the driver of the passinger vehicle was pronounced at the scene.  Car 56, Car 562, SO 56  and E562 were returning from a SCUBA drill out of town and responded to the scene.

Somerset Fire & Rescue Co.  No.1 divers were requested into the city of New Brunswick to assist them with the recovery of a vehicle that plunged onto the Raritan River along Rt. 18.  Car 56, Car 562, Special Ops 56 with Marine Units 2 and 3, Van 56 and Rescue 56 responded.  Somerset divers assisted with occupant removal and rigging for the tow truck to remove the vehicle.  This incident is still under investigation.

Our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.