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Middlesex Today
By the People, for the People
Fire Leaves 14 Homeless in Middlesex County
Firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze that destroyed an apartment building in Dunellen, New Jersey.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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A three-alarm fire tore through an apartment building in Dunellen, New Jersey on Friday night, leaving 14 people homeless. Everyone was safely evacuated and there were no injuries, but the fire caused significant damage, including a collapsed roof. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Middlesex County Fire Marshal.
Why it matters
Fires that destroy homes and displace families are devastating events for local communities. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety, emergency response, and community support for those affected by such disasters.
The details
The fire on the 300 block of Front Street was reported at 9:54 p.m. Heavy smoke was found throughout the second floor when Fire Chief William Scott arrived, and flames soon tore through the attic and out the top of the building. Firefighters tried to battle the blaze from the interior but had to switch to an exterior attack as the flames worsened. The damage eventually caused the roof to collapse, and firefighters remained on the scene until around 5 a.m. to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
- The fire was reported at 9:54 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2026.
- Firefighters remained on the scene until around 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
The players
William Scott
The fire chief of the Dunellen Defender Fire Company 1 who responded to the scene.
Jason F. Cilento
The mayor of Dunellen, New Jersey who thanked first responders and discussed community assistance efforts.
Caleb Maistrow
A photographer who shared images and video of the fire on Instagram.
The Red Cross of New Jersey
The organization that is assisting the 14 people in four families who lost their homes in the fire.
The Carol Fund
A nonprofit associated with the Dunellen Schools that is organizing assistance for the displaced families.
What they’re saying
“I want to thank our firefighters, police officers, rescue personnel, and all of the first responders who worked through the night to bring the fire under control and keep our community safe.”
— Jason F. Cilento, Mayor of Dunellen, New Jersey (Patch.com)
What’s next
The Middlesex County Fire Marshal will continue investigating the cause of the fire.
The takeaway
This tragic fire highlights the importance of fire safety and the need for strong community support when disasters strike. The quick response of first responders and the outpouring of assistance from local organizations demonstrate the resilience of the Dunellen community.
