On Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 09:19 hours, Lt. Thomas Falk observed heavy black smoke, discovered a vehicle fire on the property of 4 Smalley Avenue, Middlesex, NJ, and requested the Middlesex Fire Department to respond. The fire originated in the engine compartment of a truck that was on the property and spread to three other vehicles and the structure of a business, American Power Cord Corporation. The Middlesex Fire Department arrived on scene and requested a second alarm activation. Fire companies from the Dunellen Fire Department, Green Brook Fire Department, Bound Brook Fire Department, Finderne Fire Company, Green Knoll Fire Company, River Road Fire Company, New Market Fire Company, North Stelton Fire Company, Elizabeth Avenue Fire Company, Somerset Fire and Rescue Company, and South Plainfield Fire Department, along with staff from the Middlesex County Bureau of the Fire Marshal, the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials Unit, and the Middlesex County Department of Emergency Management arrived to assist. Emergency Medical Services from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Hackensack Meridian Health at JFK Hospital also responded.
Chief of Police Matthew P. Geist stated, “Lt. Falk’s efforts in locating the fire and initiating the dispatch of our fire department show the importance of an active and visible patrol force. The quick arrival of our police officers, the Middlesex Fire Department and the assisting fire companies from our surrounding communities helped to minimize the spread of the fire and ensured the protection of the surrounding property. I applaud the work of the firefighters and responders who worked in the extreme heat to extinguish the fire.”
The incident is under investigation by the Middlesex County Bureau of the Fire Marshal.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Lt. Thomas Falk at (732) 356-1900 extension 340.
