Firefighters battle Sussex County blaze in extreme heat, save nearby vehicles and building

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Firefighters from multiple departments contained a structure fire Thursday afternoon on Millbrook Road in Stillwater Township that destroyed an outbuilding but spared nearby vehicles and prevented the flames from spreading to an adjacent storage building, officials said.

The fire was reported around 1:23 p.m. and drew an extensive response. Stillwater, Fredon and Hampton fire departments were initially dispatched, along with Andover, Byram, Newton fire departments, the Sussex County Fire Marshal’s Office and Atlantic EMS.

Deputy Chief upgraded the assignment to a second alarm while en route, bringing in Blairstown, Green and Branchville fire departments, Newton EMS and Sandyston Fire Department for station coverage.

Firefighters arriving on scene found the main outbuilding fully engulfed in flames. Crews deployed a hoseline to knock down the bulk of the fire.

Firefighters were able to move and save several vehicles parked near the burning structure. They also prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby storage building, despite challenging conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Crews remained on the scene for approximately two hours.

“We would like to thank all of our mutual aid departments that responded to assist us,” Stillwater Fire Department officials said in a statement. “We would also like to give a shoutout to our Department of Public Works, where three of our members work. Without them being in town and able to respond during the day, the outcome could have been much different. Stillwater is lucky to have three excellent volunteers working in town to help keep us safe.”