NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — The Newton Volunteer Fire Department responded to two residential fires on consecutive days this week, including a basement fire on Walker Street and an oven fire at a home on Carriage Lane, according to the department.
The first fire was reported Wednesday, Oct. 21, at approximately 9:28 p.m. at a residence on Walker Street. Newton police officers who arrived at the scene reported heavy smoke coming from the home, and firefighters confirmed an active basement fire upon arrival.
According to the fire department, crews arrived within seven minutes of being dispatched and began an interior attack to extinguish the flames. Additional firefighters assisted with suppression efforts and checked the residence for possible fire extension.
The fire was knocked down and brought under control within approximately 15 minutes of the initial dispatch, with the flames largely contained to the object where the fire originated.
Firefighters from the Andover Township Fire Department assisted Newton crews with overhaul and ventilation operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and remove smoke from the residence. The Newton Police Department, Newton First Aid Squad and Sussex County Fire Marshal also responded.
All fire personnel cleared the scene by approximately 10:40 p.m.
The following evening, Thursday, Oct. 22, Newton firefighters were dispatched at approximately 6:05 p.m. to a residence in the area of Carriage Lane for a reported oven fire.
According to the department, firefighters arrived within five minutes and encountered smoke inside the residence. Crews prepared a hose line as a precaution but determined that the resident had already extinguished the oven fire before their arrival.
Firefighters checked the home for possible fire extension and conducted ventilation operations to remove the remaining smoke before clearing the scene.
The fire department did not provide information about injuries or the causes of the fires.
