Tuesday morning house fire damages home, displaces two families, challenges firefighters

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at approximately 7:40 am, the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched for a reported residential structure fire located in the 800 block of Jonathan Road in Linden.

Photos / Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a 4500 square foot, two-story single family home with a walkout basement with significant fire conditions throughout the attic/roof system of the home. Firefighters were able to confirm that all occupants were able to safely evacuate the home prior to their arrival. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire suppression effort but were challenged by construction features and concealed spaces throughout the attic. After approximately 45 minutes into the incident, firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure due to structural stability concerns and fear of collapse. Firefighters moved to a defensive/exterior operation for fire suppression efforts. Due to the magnitude of the incident, resources were requested from neighboring jurisdictions and emergency callback efforts performed. Firefighters continued to work throughout the afternoon to fully extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire caused an estimated $600,000 in property and contents damage and rendered the home uninhabitable. Two families consisting of four adults and three children were noted to be living in the home at the time of the fire. Both families have received assistance from the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Program.

Fire Chief James Bonzano stated “this unfortunate incident should serve as a reminder that a fire can strike anytime, anywhere. You must protect your home and family with proper fire safety within your home. This should include a working smoke alarm and a home fire escape plan.”

Anyone with information with regards to this fire incident is asked to contact Assistant Fire Marshal J. Jock at jjock@warrencountyfire.com or call 540-636-3830. For more information on how to protect your home and family from the dangers of fire or learn how to receive a free smoke alarm, visit www.warrencountyfire.com.

Units on the call: