The Hopewell Township Police Department, along with the Hopewell Fire Department, responded to a residence (single family home) on Voorhees Avenue in Hopewell Borough for the report of a structure fire.
The fire was called in by a citizen who noticed smoke coming from the home. Officer William Gaskill arrived and noticed heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home. Unsure if anyone was still in the home, Officer Gaskill and Officer James Hoffman forced the front door open to verify that no one was in the house. A short time later, Hopewell Township Police were able to make phone contact with the homeowner who was at work at the time. The homeowner confirmed that no other people were in the house.
The fire was brought under control within in an hour.
Unfortunately, the homeowner’s dogs and cats along with some pet birds perished in the fire. Montgomery Township Animal Control is assisting the homeowner with surviving pets which include several large birds.
The Hopewell Fire Department, along with the Pennington Fire Company, Union Fire Company, Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, Lawrenceville Fire Company, Lawrence Road Fire Department, West Trenton Fire Department, Montgomery Fire Department (Station 46), West Amwell Fire Department, and the Rocky Hill Fire Department assisted with fighting the fire. The Hopewell Fire Department and Medical Unit EMS Unit, the Pennington First Aid Squad and the Princeton First Aid Rehab Unit also assisted at the scene.
Hopewell Valley Emergency Services Chief Matthew Martin ran operations command at the scene.
The residence suffered extensive fire damage, as well as heat, smoke and water damage and is uninhabitable at this time.
The homeowner is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but does not appear to be suspicious and remains under investigation by Hopewell Township Police Department Detective Mike Sherman, Hopewell Valley Emergency Services personnel and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
There have been no reported no reported injuries from personnel battling the blaze.
Voorhees Avenue remains shut down at this time due to this investigation. Traffic is also being detoured in the area of North Greenwood Avenue and Model Avenue due to fire operations.
MercerMe is gathering information on how to donate to the homeowner — I’ve heard that she has lost most of her belongings. Please stay tuned for that.
