Crime & Safety

Multiple Fires Cause Destruction Across NJ: Weekend News

Here's what made news in New Jersey over the weekend:

Several fires broke out in New Jersey over the weekend.
Several fires broke out in New Jersey over the weekend. (Courtesy of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service )

NEW JERSEY – Several fires were reported across the Garden State over the weekend, claiming a life and causing damage to property and forests.

Here are the headlines from the weekend:

Boat Catches Fire In Ocean County

Emergency crews responded to a large boat fire on Sunday in Ocean County.

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Around 9:35 a.m., multiple fire companies in Little Egg Harbor responded to Tuckerton for a boat on fire, Parkertown Volunteer Fire Company said.

The boat was at a fueling station when it caught fire, according to 6ABC.

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Fire Damages Home In Deptford

A fire blazed through a home in Deptford on Friday leaving it uninhabitable.

According to 6ABC, firefighters rescued two cats from the home. One resident was asleep during the fire and another was out back. Both are safe.

The fire is under investigation by the Deptford Fire Department Fire Marshalls Office.

Fire Engulfs Ocean City Duplex, Firefighter Rescued

A two-alarm fire swept through an Ocean City duplex Saturday morning, displacing five people. A firefighter was also rescued from the blaze when he became trapped on a deck, authorities said.

The fire was brought under control after roughly 45 minutes. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Read More Here: 2-Alarm Fire Engulfs Ocean City Duplex, Firefighter Rescued

Crews Battle 192 -Acre Wildfire In North Jersey

A massive wildfire broke out near Route 10 in North Jersey on Saturday. While firefighters managed to nearly contain the fire as of Sunday evening, smoke from the blaze is expected to linger until the next rain comes, authorities say.

The fire is currently sized at 192 acres and grew over the weekend. As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, it was 90 percent contained, authorities said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities added.

According to the Livingston Fire Department, extremely dry conditions, winds and difficulty in accessing the forest with no roadways presented “considerable challenges” for firefighters battling the blaze.

Read More Here: Huge Wildfire Near Livingston Nearly Contained

Brush Fire Breaks Out At University Preserve

A brush fire broke out deep within the Drew University Forest Preserve, just before 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service detected the potential fire from their Greystone Lookout Tower in Denville. NJ Forest Fire Service was quickly joined by the Madison Fire Department and Police Department, who began work containing the growing blaze.

By 1 p.m., the fire was under control, with containment lines firmly established and crews diligently addressing remaining hot spots to prevent further spread.

“The swift action and teamwork displayed by our local fire departments, police, and state fire services were outstanding. Their commitment to protecting our community and preserving the Drew Forest is deeply appreciated,” Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley said. "We are incredibly fortunate that their expertise prevented the fire from spreading further.”

Driver Killed After Car Hits Tree, Catches Fire

A man was killed after his car struck a tree and gate then caught fire in Newark on Sunday, according to reports.

Around 3:30 a.m. authorities arrived at a home on Weequahic Avenue near Bergen Street and found a man inside a burning vehicle that had struck a tree and gate in front of a home, NJ.com reported.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.