HOLMDEL-On Saturday, Sept. 1 at approximately 6:54 a.m. the Holmdel Township Police Department received a call from a resident at 6 Barrister Drive that an outdoor kitchen in their backyard was on fire. Officers responded at 7:01 a.m. and were able to evacuate all residents from the home.
Officers on site attempted to knock down the fire with extinguishers and a hose, but were unsuccessful.
Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company #2 was dispatched to the scene. Holmdel Fire and Rescue Command 18269 was in service at 7:02 a.m. and Engine 1880 at 7:07 a.m.
Upon arrival at the scene, Holmdel Fire Command 18269 – which was on location at 7:11 a.m. – and Engine 1880 – which followed closely at 7:15 a.m. – found the home fully engulfed in flames.
Mutual aid was requested from Hazlet, Marlboro, Tinton Falls, Keyport, Union Beach, Colts Neck, Morganville, Manalapan and Middletown fire companies to assist fighting the fire. First Aid units from Holmdel, Hazlet, Keyport, Union Beach and the Monmouth County Mobile Ambulance Bus also arrived on scene and assisted. The responding Fire Departments had the blaze contained at approximately 10:50 a.m.
Two firefighters were injured at the scene and treated on location by the Holmdel First Aid, before being transported to Bayshore Medical Center for further evaluation. One sustained injury while falling through the floor fighting the fire, and the second injury was due to smoke inhalation.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the injured fire fighters and their families,” Holmdel Township Mayor Tom Critelli said. “Due to their bravery, and the valor and swift action displayed by their fellow responders, this blaze was contained before further damage could be done. On behalf of our community I thank all of the fire departments, first aid units, and police officers on site for their heroic efforts.”
The fire is under investigation by the Holmdel Township Police Department, Monmouth County Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Holmdel Fire Prevention Bureau.
