Crews Battle Underground Gas Fire in Hillsborough, 5 Families Evacuated

The fire, fueled by a gas leak, has closed Millstone River Road as crews work to extinguish the blaze.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Local emergency crews and utility teams in Hillsborough, New Jersey are working to battle an underground gas fire that began late Wednesday night on Millstone River Road. Five families were evacuated as a safety precaution, and the road remains closed as crews work to reduce pressure in the gas main and extinguish the fire.

Why it matters

Underground gas fires can pose serious risks to public safety, requiring swift action from emergency responders to mitigate the danger and minimize disruptions to the local community. This incident highlights the importance of proper gas pipeline maintenance and emergency preparedness in residential areas.

The details

The fire was first reported around 10:05 PM on Wednesday near 1243 Millstone River Road, where Hillsborough Township Police observed a live electrical wire sparking on the ground and flames venting from a sewer drain. PSE&G crews determined that a leak in an underground gas pipeline was fueling the fire. As a safety precaution, five families from the immediate area were evacuated.

  • The fire was first reported around 10:05 PM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • As of Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 9:30 AM, the road remains closed.

The players

Hillsborough Township Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial report of the fire.

PSE&G

The utility company that determined the fire was fueled by a leak in an underground gas pipeline.

Hillsborough Fire Companies 36, 37, and 38

The local fire departments that are helping to battle the underground gas fire.

Hillsborough Township OEM

The local Office of Emergency Management coordinating the response efforts.

Somerset County OEM

The county-level Office of Emergency Management providing additional support.

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What they’re saying

“This process is required to allow crews to safely turn off the valve, extinguish the fire, and identify the specific sections of the pipeline requiring repair.”

— Bob Wagner, OEM Director (Patch.com)

“that the evacuations were conducted out of an overabundance of caution to ensure resident safety while the fire continues to burn.”

— Chris Weniger, Fire Chief (Patch.com)

What’s next

PSE&G continues to work on Thursday morning to reduce pressure in the gas main, which is required to allow crews to safely turn off the valve, extinguish the fire, and identify the specific sections of the pipeline requiring repair.

The takeaway

This underground gas fire incident underscores the importance of robust gas pipeline infrastructure maintenance and emergency response protocols in residential areas to protect public safety. The coordinated efforts of local and county agencies demonstrate the critical role of emergency preparedness in mitigating risks posed by such hazardous events.