Prosecutor investigating major fire that displaced families in sommerville — Stock Photo: Fire truck, police car, NJ.

SOMERVILLE, NJ — A significant fire incident in Somerville is currently under investigation by Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Somerville Police Chief Dennis Manning. The fire occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 4, 2024, around 2:03 p.m. on West Main Street.

Responding to a 9-1-1 call, the Somerville Fire Department, assisted by multiple fire companies and emergency medical personnel, battled the four-alarm blaze. Firefighters from several jurisdictions, including Finderne, Bound Brook, and Hillsborough stations, among others, were mobilized to control the fire. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control support.

The investigation, led by the Somerville Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes and Fire Investigation Units, aims to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

The incident resulted in substantial damage to two residential/commercial structures, displacing several residents. Fortunately, all building occupants were safely evacuated without injuries.

During the response, one Somerville Police officer sustained minor injuries and has been treated and released from the hospital. Additionally, four firefighters incurred minor injuries, with two treated on-site and two in the hospital, who were also released.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, the Somerville Police Department at (908) 725-0331, or anonymously via the STOPit app or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All tips will be kept confidential.

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