Firefighter Catches Fire While Battling Brick Blaze: Officials

BRICK, NJ — A firefighter escaped injury Saturday night when a flammable liquid splashed on him and caught fire while he was fighting a blaze at a Brick Township home, authorities said.

The fire was reported about 11:40 p.m. Saturday and was in the garage of the home on 20th Avenue, Brick fire officials said Monday. All of the residents were evacuated by the time Herbertsville Fire Company Assistant Chief Jim Lepore, the first officer on scene, arrived.

The fire was quickly contained to the garage and the attic space above the garage, fire officials said.

Officials said a firefighter was exposed to a flammable liquid as he was using a saw on the front garage door while they were ventilating the garage.

Sparks from the saw ignited the liquid, setting his gear on fire, but authorities said he calmly extinguished the flames by lying on the ground. He was assisted by other firefighters in putting them out, officials said.

The firefighter was not injured and was able to return to his duties after being evaluated by EMS, officials said.

"Firefighters face extreme hazards every day and it is important to note that the firefighter was properly dressed in his full personal protective equipment, which protected him from severe injury.

Herbertsville Fire Company, Laurelton Fire Company, Pioneer Hose Fire Company and Breton Woods Fire Company responded. All utilities to the home were secured.

Inspector Robert Kurilla of the Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety is investigating.