APRIL 19, 2023

NEWS RELEASE

FIRE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ

BRIDGEWATER TWP., N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John Mitzak announced that an investigation is underway into a fire that occurred on 1482 Long Road in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Bridgewater Township Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire on Long Road. The fire spread causing damage to over four acres of woodland property located on Long Road. Two firemen were taken to the hospital due to injuries they sustained during fire suppression efforts. The Liberty Corner, Martinsville, Lyons Veterans Affair, Bedminster/Far Hills, Bernardsville, Warren, and Potterville Fire Companies along with the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service responded to extinguish the fire.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit responded to investigate the cause and origin of the fire, in conjunction with the Bridgewater Township Police Department, and fire officials.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Fodor and Chief Mitzak stated that it is an active investigation and request anyone with information relating to this fire to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908) 722-4111 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

      NOTE: The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence.  The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.