At approximately 5:30 AM on Saturday, April 29th the Millstone Township Fire Company was dispatched as mutual aid into Manalapan Township for a reported structure fire. Shortly after dispatch the call was upgraded to a confirmed structure fire with fire showing through the roof. Millstone’s ladder (32-90) led by Deputy Chief Wagner, Tanker (32-96) driven by FF Jim Carbin and Chief Fiore (32-66) responded along with fire companies from Englishtown (12-1), Freehold Independent (16-1), Monroe Station 57 and RIT Adelphia (19-2).
Crews from all companies were met with heavy fire conditions. An interior attack was initially made but due to the large size of the home and roof collapse all crews were ordered out of the structure. Command switched to a defensive attack placing Millstone’s Ladder 32-90 into service with additional blitz lines. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down crews re-entered the structure knocking down hot spots and began overhaul operations.
The fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike and is under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshall’s office. No injuries were reported.
