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Just after wrapping up from the Baslione Parade in Raritan this afternoon, Somerville units were dispatched to Division St. for a reported fire in the laundromat. Due to heavy smoke pushing from the building upon arrival a 1st alarm commercial structure box was transmitted bringing in numerous mutual aid units. A line was stretched off E-4 and knocked down visible fire as walls and ceilings around the dryers burning were pulled to find extending fire. Heavy smoke persisted in the floor above, attic, and ductwork leading to a labor intensive incident. Units cleared in just over an hour on scene.
If you are in need of clothes, food, toiletries…anything you need. Stop by at Lincoln Hose Fire House at 34 Warren St. The volunteers are still accepting donations as well of all of the above plus pet food, toys, cleaning supplies, etc. Also special thanks to Elizabeth Ave Fire and Somerset Fire for donating us crucial firefighting equipment such as gloves and hoods to keep us in operation!
To all those residents of the community that donated copious amounts of food and drink to the Fire Department over the last few days our sincerest thanks! Despite many having great damage and issues at your own homes, you still gave your time and efforts to make sure our responders where hydrated and fueled up to keep responding. We truly have a special community! Stay strong! - Chief Brian Iselin
Ida will truly go down as one of the great tragedy’s in our Borough’s history. In the past 28 hours, Somerville Fire and agencies from all across the state responded to 100+ calls plus countless other calls from Somerville EOC within the Borough. 100s of water rescues were made from flooding cars and homes. Units also responded to a 2nd alarm house explosion with numerous homes heavily damaged. The blast was felt across central NJ. River levels crested at record levels never seen before. As flood waters recede, our department has unfortunately sustained heavy damages to numerous pieces of equipment, vehicles, and our Main St. Engine Co. firehouse. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those effected at every level and we will all get through this in coming days, weeks, and months.
On Saturday October 9th at 3pm, our annual inspection day ceremony and parade will take place. See attached flyer for details. Inspection Day holds great tradition and pride for the members of the Somerville Fire Department. Past firefighters are honored, and the day gives members a chance to display their equipment in the finest condition possible. Please feel free to come out and witness the ceremony or enjoy the parade to follow down Main St.
Somerville and @raritanfire52 were dispatched this morning for a reported smoke condition in a house. Upon arrival, a 1st alarm was transmitted for a working structure fire. The second fire in Raritan in the last 72 hours. Somerville E-3 arrived shortly after and an attack was initiated on the second floor. However, conditions rapidly deteriorated and members were evacuated from the building. Numerous crews from around the area would spend hours fighting this stubborn fire that would reach 2+ alarms.
At 4:44am Somerville Fire was dispatched with @raritanfire52 for a possible structure fire on 1st Ave in Raritan. Raritan units encountered heavy fire on arrival with extension to a second house and a 2nd alarm was transmitted. Somerville Engine 3 arrived immediately after and assisted Raritan with conducting an aggressive interior attack. With the help of other additional mutual aid units from across the area, the fire was knocked down and the second structure sustained only minor damage.
While Somerville is blessed with fire hydrants at nearly every street corner, there are many instances where we may need to work with alternate sources of water. Whether there’s a large water main break in town, or we are called to help our neighboring fire departments that utilize water tankers in non hydranted areas, drafting is something we may be called to do. Drafting involves pulling water from streams, ponds, or cisterns... anywhere water can be found. Today our friends at @neshanicfire48 and @threebridgesfire came to Somerville to give us an overview of Drafting and water supply operations.