Electrical fire prompts evacuation of Hunterdon County care center; no injuries reported

UNION TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — An electrical fire prompted the evacuation of a Hunterdon County care facility Sunday, but no injuries were reported and residents were able to safely return after the building was cleared, the Clinton Fire Department said.

The Clinton Fire Department, along with numerous mutual aid agencies, responded July 12 to the Country Arch Care Center in Union Township for a reported burning odor inside the facility.

Upon arrival, fire chief officers confirmed a strong burning odor throughout the building and, out of an abundance of caution, ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents.

Because of the size of the facility and the complexity of relocating vulnerable residents, officials declared a Mass Casualty Incident Level 3, bringing specialized EMS and emergency management resources from across New Jersey to assist.

Facility staff worked alongside South Branch Emergency Services and mutual aid EMS agencies to safely evacuate residents and provide care during the incident.

Following an investigation by fire crews, officials determined the odor was caused by a small electrical fire in an office space. The fire was successfully contained to its area of origin and extinguished.

After firefighters ventilated the building, monitored conditions and cleared remaining hazards, the facility was deemed safe for reoccupation. Crews then assisted staff in returning all residents to their rooms.

Fire officials said no injuries were reported, the facility has resumed normal operations and no residents needed to be transferred to another location.

The incident remains under investigation by the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office.