BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — A fire early Wednesday morning at the Red Rock Preserve townhouses on Old York Road in Branchburg Township prompted a large, multi-agency response and displaced dozens of residents, according to the Readington Volunteer Fire Company and the American Red Cross.
Fire crews were dispatched around 5:30 a.m. after multiple callers reported a blaze at the preserve. Upon arrival, the fire chief confirmed an active fire at the rear of the structure with flames extending into the attic.
Initial crews stretched a hose line into the building and secured a water supply, while additional responding departments deployed attack lines to protect nearby units and contain the fire. Ladder trucks from several neighboring departments established aerial master streams to help knock down the bulk of the flames.
Once the main body of the fire was brought under control, firefighters continued working to extinguish remaining hot spots throughout the structure.
The fire displaced at least 65 people from a 24-unit housing complex, according to the American Red Cross, which assisted residents.
Emergency medical services from Branchburg Rescue, Whitehouse and South Branch EMS were on scene to assist both firefighters and residents. Branchburg police managed the scene and provided drone support, while township officials and the Office of Emergency Management worked with the Red Cross to assist those displaced.
Officials described the response as a coordinated regional effort involving multiple agencies from surrounding towns and counties.
“We thank everyone for the support of our first responders and please keep those families affected in your thoughts and prayers,” the Readington Volunteer Fire Company said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
