SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — A late-night incident involving downed power lines led to a vehicle fire Monday in Sparta Township, according to township fire officials.
Fire crews were dispatched shortly before 11 p.m. to Alpine Trail for a reported brush fire involving downed wires. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that arcing from the power lines had ignited an unoccupied parked vehicle.
Due to the presence of high-voltage electricity, crews were unable to immediately extinguish the fire and instead worked to contain it until utility crews arrived.
JCP&L responded to the scene and de-energized the area, allowing firefighters to safely extinguish the vehicle fire, officials said.
No injuries were reported.
Sparta Fire Department officials said crews also responded to several additional calls Monday night involving downed utility lines.
Fire officials reminded residents to use caution around fallen wires.
“There is no ‘safe’ downed wire, always stay as far away as possible,” the department said.
