LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Lopatcong Township Police Department, Lopatcong Fire Department, and Phillipsburg Emergency Squad were dispatched to the Brakeley Garden Apartments for a report of a pot of oil on fire in a kitchen on Friday, April 10, at approximately 9 p.m.
First-responding Lopatcong patrol officers encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the kitchen area of the affected apartment upon arrival.
Officers deployed multiple portable fire extinguishers to keep the fire in check and then initiated evacuations of adjoining apartments as a precaution.
The Lopatcong Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and quickly extinguished the fire, with assistance from mutual aid partners including the Phillipsburg Fire Department, Alpha Fire Company, Harmony Township Fire Department, and Stewartsville Fire Company.
The occupants of the involved apartment were evaluated on scene by Phillipsburg Emergency Squad EMS personnel, but declined further treatment and are currently staying with family members in the area.
No other injuries were reported.
The subsequent investigation determined that the fire was accidental, originating from cooking oil on the stove in the kitchen.
Damage was contained to the involved unit.
