Large Fire Destroys Westfield Home, 2 Firefighters Injured: Fire Dept.

WESTFIELD, NJ — A large fire destroyed a home on Prospect Street in Westfield Thursday afternoon, according to Fire Chief Michael Duelks.

Crews from several towns fought the fire 745 Prospect Street, which broke out at 4:11 p.m, according to Duelks. The Fire Department reported heavy smoke coming from the first, second and attic floors of the two-and-a-half story home.

Duelks said fire units immediately searched the home and confirmed that all residents were safely evacuated. According to Mayor Shelley Brindle, the family and dogs who live at the home are safe, and two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

The incident caused three alarms, bringing in Union County Fire Mutual Aid companies to the scene, Duelks said. The Westfield Police Department also assisted with evacuating the owner’s pets from the rear yard, security, traffic and crowd control.

The Westfield Rescue Squad, along with emergency medical services from around the county, assisted in providing medical attention to the firefighters. Four first responders were taken to the hospital and one was treated on the scene, according to Duelks.

Duelks said the fire was placed under control at 5:19 p.m., with Fire Department personnel working into the evening hours.

The fire was investigated by The Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau, The Westfield Police Department, The Union County Fire Investigation Task Force and The NJ State Fire Marshal’s office, Duelks said.

Duelks said the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

The Westfield Construction Official deemed the home as uninhabitable, and Red Cross was requested to the scene for assisting the residents in relocation.

GoFundMe Launched For The Family

The residents lost all of their personal belongings in the fire, including clothing, food, furniture and sentimental items, according to a GoFundMe made for the family.

Jillian Brand, creator of the GoFundMe, wrote that the front of the house was engulfed in flames and the rest of the house suffered severe smoke and water damage. She said her aunt, who owns the home, has insurance but needs assistance in getting back on her feet.

"I am so grateful to the town coming together and offering assistance for my family," Brand wrote. "My aunt and my mother have been long time Westfield residents and they have done and still do many things to help the community. My mother has had her travel agency business in Westfield for 30+ years."

More than $6,600 has already been raised for the family. People can continue to donate to the GoFundMe here.

"Thanks to our community who has once again rallied around our neighbors in their greatest time of need," Mayor Shelley Brindle said on Facebook. "I am also reminded how fortunate we are to have such a professional and dedicated fire department."

The Westfield Fire Department reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives.

Duelks said to make sure that smoke alarms are tested monthly and are less than 10 years old. For more information on fire safety, contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.

More photos of the fire can be seen on the Fire Department's Facebook page.

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