HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a fire on Plotts Road in Hampton Township that required extensive firefighting operations, including a tanker shuttle to supply water to crews battling flames on a steep hillside.
According to Hampton Township Fire & Rescue, the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Center began receiving multiple calls reporting smoke and an unknown fire in the area at approximately 7:18 p.m.
Hampton Township Fire & Rescue was initially dispatched, but the call was upgraded to a brush fire before the responding chief arrived, prompting additional responses from Stillwater Area Fire Company, Fredon Township Fire Department and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
New Jersey State Police confirmed that troopers responded to a structure fire on Plotts Road. Police said all occupants were outside the house when troopers arrived. No information about injuries was provided.
As conditions developed, the response was upgraded several times to bring additional fire engines, tankers and specialized equipment to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and protect surrounding property.
Fire officials said the blaze burned along a steep hillside with limited access through a narrow driveway, requiring crews to establish a tanker shuttle to maintain a steady water supply.
Stillwater Area Fire Company coordinated water operations at the scene, while Fredon Township Fire Department managed water communications and directed incoming units. Newton Fire Department and a mutual aid coordinator operated a water-filling site at Sussex County Community College.
Tankers responded from Sussex Borough, Beemerville, Vernon, Byram Township, Sandyston Township, Andover Township, Franklin Borough, Fredon Township, Frankford Township, Lafayette Township, Branchville and Highland Lakes.
Firefighters used multiple hand lines and master streams to battle the flames under heavy fire conditions. Operations began winding down around 10:15 p.m., and all fire department units were cleared and available by approximately 10:40 p.m.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor for possible flare-ups.
Hampton Township Fire & Rescue said the fire was expected to continue smoldering for two to three days, and residents could notice smoke or occasional embers in the area.
Additional assistance was provided by New Jersey State Police, Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad, Newton police and the Hampton Auxiliary. Several neighboring fire departments also provided station coverage while crews remained committed to the incident.
Fire officials also reminded residents and motorists to provide accurate location information when reporting emergencies, including nearby street names, intersections, house numbers or landmarks, to help dispatchers direct emergency responders to the correct location.
New Jersey State Police said the fire remains under investigation, and no additional information was immediately available.
