PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — A two-alarm fire tore through a single-story home on Metz Street Sunday morning, leaving the residence uninhabitable, authorities said.
Phillipsburg police, fire and EMS units were dispatched at 10:34 a.m. to 680 Metz St. for a reported fully involved structure fire with several reported explosions, according to a news release from the town.
When emergency crews arrived, flames had already spread through the roof of the home. Firefighters initially launched an aggressive interior attack but shifted to defensive operations as conditions deteriorated and several interior collapses occurred. The fire was brought under control in about an hour.
The home is owned by Anthony and Rebecca Lasala, officials said. The structure has been deemed uninhabitable by the town’s construction official, and all utility services have been disconnected. The home is insured, and the occupants will be staying with friends.
All six Phillipsburg fire companies responded to the blaze. Firefighters and apparatus from Harmony Township and Alpha provided coverage at a local fire station during the incident in case of additional emergencies.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is not considered suspicious. No damage estimate was immediately available.
