BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — A pre-dawn fire destroyed a recreational outbuilding on Hardscrabble Road near the Mendham Township border Wednesday, fire officials said.
Bernardsville Fire Co. No. 1 & First Aid Squad were dispatched at 3:28 a.m. along with the Mendham Fire Department to a reported structure fire.
The fire chief arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found a well-involved recreational outbuilding, officials said. The fire was fueled by a gas line, prompting a response from PSEG to secure utilities at the scene.
Fire crews operated at the scene for about one hour and 45 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Officials thanked Mendham Borough Fire Department and Ralston Engine Company No. 1 for assisting at the scene. Additional first-alarm companies — Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department, Liberty Corner Fire Company, Basking Ridge Fire Co. No. 1 & EMS, Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company and Peapack-Gladstone Fire Department — stood by in case additional resources were needed.
Mendham Township police said Officer Jenisch observed the fire while on patrol checking back roads and alerted dispatchers, who relayed the information to Bernardsville fire companies.
According to police, the officer’s actions allowed responding departments to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
