Middletown, Lincroft

May 26, 2023

House Fire in the Port Monmouth Section of Middletown Township

Photo by Laurie Kegley, MTFD Public Information Officer Photographer

On Thursday, May 25, at 2:42 pm, the Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) was dispatched to smoke issuing from the house. The first arriving MTPD patrolman reported heavy fire showing with the possibility of entrapment within the structure. MTFD Third Assistant Chief Kevin Morrissey arrived confirming heavy fire on the rear left corner of the home with extension to the second floor and attic space of the two-story wood frame structure. Chief Morrissey immediately requested additional support and directed the first arriving engine to drop a supply line from the nearest hydrant and begin initial fire attack to the second floor and attic. Chief Morrissey assigned additional incoming units to Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), search and rescue employing thermal imaging cameras ensuring no occupants were inside the structure and that all fire was found and extinguished. Early in the incident, Fire Marshal Edward Skelly and the MTFD Patrolman rescued a family dog from the structure.

The 5” Large Diameter Hose (LDH) supply line was established from the fire hydrant 800’ away. The building sustained heavy fire damage on the left rear corner of the home with extension to the second floor and attic space. A partial roof collapse occurred in the attic space. Heavy fire damage to the rear exterior of the structure, second floor and the first-floor interiors in the rear of the home. Additionally, two adjacent homes sustained heat damage and a mulch fire resulted in vinyl siding damage.

The fire was placed under control by MTFD Third Assistant Chief Kevin Morrissey at 3:45 pm. All units were cleared from the scene at 6:04 pm.

Approximately 69 firefighters from 8 companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Navesink, Belford Engine, Community, East Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford Independent, Middletown Fire Company #1, and River Plaza companies. Additionally, the MTFD Air Unit, Fire Police and the Safety Unit also responded. Mutual Aid was also provided to the MTFD from following fire departments, Keansburg Fire Department, Hazlet Fire Companies of North Centerville and West Keansburg Fire Companies and the Holmdel Fire Company who stood by at MTFD fire houses to ensure continued fire protection for the town while MTFD companies extinguished the fire.

Ten members of Middletown’s Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) and Middletown First Aid provided medical support. No firefighter injuries were reported.

All units operated safely under the supervision of Middletown Township Fire Department MTFD Third Assistant Chief Kevin Morrissey.

The fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Marshal’s office under the direction of Fire Marshal Edward Skelly.