WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A fallen tree that struck electrical wires sparked a brush fire Monday night in Washington Township, forcing firefighters to navigate difficult terrain to extinguish the flames, according to Schooley’s Mountain Fire Co. 3.
Firefighters responded shortly after 10 p.m. to a report of an outside fire along Schooley’s Mountain Road. Upon arrival, crews discovered a growing brush fire caused by a tree that had fallen onto electrical wires.
Due to the electrical hazards, firefighters were forced to hike through wooded terrain, laying more than 400 feet of hose to safely reach and extinguish the fire. According to the fire company, a firefighter who lived nearby provided access through his property, allowing crews to use a small bridge to reach the affected area.
Schooley’s Mountain Road was closed between Flocktown Road and Newburgh Road while Jersey Central Power & Light crews made repairs. The roadway has since reopened.
