At 10:20 PM on Monday night (January 21) Fairmount Fire Company, Long Valley Fire Company and Schooleys Mt. Fire Company were alerted for a structure fire on Pickle Rd in Washington Twp. Upon arrival the house was found to be fully engulfed in flames as well as a barn that was within 20 feet of the house. Firefighters went to work with large diameter hoses to knock down the heavy amount of fire. Schooleys Mt. Fire set up their ladder truck and helped with suppression. A second alarm was requested at 10:27. We were able to save the barn, but unfortunately the house was too far gone prior to our arrival for us to stop. There was (1) fatality at the scene which is under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutors Office.
We would like to thank our Mutual Aid Fire Companies: Chester Fire, Pottersville Fire, Califon Fire, Budd Lake Fire, Lebanon Twp. Fire and Oldwick Fire for their assistance in the suppression of the fire and providing station coverage. The Long Valley First Aid Squad stood by the entire time for rehab and the Morris County OEM sent a warming bus for firefighters to warm up. The Washington Twp. Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office all worked with the investigation.
All Fire Units cleared the scene at 10:06 am the next morning.
Fairmount Fire Company expresses their deepest regrets and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.