ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A late-night house fire in the Green Pond section of Rockaway Township was quickly contained Thursday after a working smoke detector alerted the homeowner, according to the Green Pond Volunteer Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at about 11 p.m. to a report of a structure fire with a possible entrapment. Crews from the Green Pond Volunteer Fire Department, along with Rockaway Township Fire Companies 1 and 3, responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire on the exterior of the home caused by an electrical issue within a wall. The occupant was safely escorted out of the residence, and crews were able to extinguish the fire before it spread or caused significant damage.
Officials said fires of this nature can grow rapidly, particularly when wind conditions are present, making early detection and a quick emergency response critical.
In this case, the homeowner was awakened by a slight smoke condition and the sound of a working smoke detector and immediately called 911, a step firefighters said made a life-saving difference.
Fire officials used the incident as a reminder to residents to regularly check smoke detectors and ensure they are properly installed throughout their homes, noting that working smoke detectors save lives.
