House Fire Leaves Couple Homeless Just Before Holidays In Somerset County

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — Two residents are left without a home following a fire on Monday night in North Plainfield.

At around 8:10 p..m, North Plainfield Police and Fire were called to a structure fire at 217 Meadowbrook Dr.

Officers saw the home to be ablaze with two residents standing on the front lawn, said North Plainfield Police Chief Alan McKay.

Everyone inside the home made it safely out of the fire, officers confirmed.

North Plainfield, Plainfield, and Watchung Fire Departments worked on putting out the fire for almost two hours.

"Firefighters and officers were confronted with flames and heavy smoke but were able to contain the fire mostly to the basement area of the residence," said McKay.

The home suffered major damage caused by the fire, smoke, and water. The home is currently unhabitable.

The residents are staying with friends and declined help from the Red Cross.

The fire remains under investigation.

"North Plainfield Fire Department personnel believe the fire may have started in the basement area, possibly from a lit cigarette that was left near some papers," said McKay.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact the North Plainfield Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 908-769-2937.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.