Perth Amboy, NJ – A quick-thinking passerby used a garden hose to slow a fast-moving deck fire Saturday morning, helping save a Perth Amboy home before firefighters arrived on the scene.
Crews from the Perth Amboy Fire Department responded around 8:02 a.m. to a report of a structure fire on the 300 block of Wagner Avenue.
When firefighters arrived, they found flames spreading from the rear deck into the back of the home but were able to contain the blaze within minutes.
Key Points
- Fire on Wagner Avenue began on a rear deck and spread to the back of the house
- Damaged lithium-ion battery packs were found at the scene, prompting a hazmat response
- A passerby alerted occupants and used a garden hose to contain the flames before firefighters arrived
Passerby credited with alerting family, slowing spread
According to the Perth Amboy Fire Department, a passerby noticed smoke and fire at the rear of the home and immediately alerted the occupants inside. The individual then used a garden hose to contain the flames, preventing them from spreading to neighboring houses before emergency crews arrived.
All residents were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters stretched two hoselines to fully extinguish the fire while conducting a search of the residence to ensure no one remained inside.
Lithium-ion batteries identified as source area
Investigators said fire damage was concentrated under the deck, where several lithium-ion battery packs and loose batteries were discovered. Middlesex County Hazmat was called to safely contain and remove the damaged batteries from the property. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Perth Amboy Fire Investigation Unit.
Officials issue safety reminders about battery hazards
The fire department used the incident to remind residents about lithium-ion battery safety, urging people to buy certified battery products, store them properly, and never leave them charging unattended. Officials also warned against using off-brand replacement batteries or mismatched chargers.
City officials, including Mayor Helmin Caba, praised the efforts of the passerby and firefighters, saying the swift actions likely prevented a much more serious fire.
Fire units responding included Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck 2, Rescue 1, and command units C-1, C-3, and C-5. Middlesex County Hazmat handled cleanup, while Engine 3 covered the city during the incident.