Car into Building

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.  

 

2nd Alarm Structure Fire

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.

Credit E. Mickelsen

Credit FTPD

MVC Fire

Stations 56 and 44 were dispatched to a fully involved vehicle fire in the parking lot of 1760 Easton Avenue.  Car 562 and Engine 562 arrived and extinguished the fire.  Crews from Rescue 56 and Engine 441 assisted with overhaul. HazMat 26 was also requested to mitigate the run-off water.

 

MVC Fire

Somerset Fire and Elizabeth Ave fire were dispatched to a car fire in front of the Econo-Lodge hotel at 1830 Easton Ave.  Engine 562 arrived and found a passenger vehicle on fire in the parking lot.  Engine 562, Rescue 56 and Engine 261 extinguished the fire without incident.  The crews remained on the scene for approximately 30 minutes.

Vehicle in the water

Somerset diver’s responded to a car in the water near Amwell Road.  After searching for the vehicle, it was discovered in the Delaware and Raritan Canal near the historic Rockingham site in the Kingston section of Franklin Township.  The vehicle which was presumed stolen, was retrieved with the help of Somerset diver’s.

Machine Fire

Fire District No. 1 was dispatched to a fire alarm activation at a electronics reclamation facility on Apgar Drive.  During the response the incident was upgraded to a reported fire involving a piece of machinery inside the building.  Car 26 immediately upgraded the response to a second alarm.  The first arriving units found a fire in a plastic compacting machine.  A lithium battery was inadvertently left inside one of the items being compacted which shorted and started the large mass of plastic on fire.  The fire was partially controlled by the building occupants.  Engine 561 and FM8 units stretched a hose line into the building to complete extinguishment.  Extensive ventilation was needed to clear the building of the remaining smoke.  Units operated on the scene for approximately two hours.  The cause of the fire was investigated by the Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department.

MVC with entrapment

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.

MVC with entrapment

Stations 56 and 28 were dispatched to a single vehicle MVC on Blackwell’s Mills Road near Canal Road.  Rescue 56, Car 56, SO56 E562 responded with Engine 441, Car 44 Car 28 and Squad 28.  Somerset members extricated one person who was heavily entrapped.  The driver suffered serious non life-threatening injuries.  The victim was transported to the hospital by RWJ medics and BLS.  This complicated extrication took approximately 40 minutes to perform.  Great work by all who responded.

Mutual aid dive unit response

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.