Firefighters Extinguish Fire in Home on Watchung Fork Thursday

No one was hurt when a fire broke out at a home on the 200 block of Watchung Fork on Thursday morning. The Westfield Fire Department received the call at 9:34 a.m., and the first unit arrived on scene at 9:39 a.m.

Firefighters found a 2.5-story single-family dwelling with smoke conditions on the first and second floors. Upon entering, members confirmed all residents were safely evacuated.

Crews located a fire actively burning in the kitchen ceiling extending to the second floor. The fire was quickly extinguished, and salvage and overhaul operations were completed to check for additional fire spread.

The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and Westfield Police were on the scene. A Springfield Engine company and Union County Fire Mutual Aid companies also assisted. The Westfield Construction Official was requested to evaluate the structure.

Fire Chief Michael Duelks determined that the cause of the fire was accidental in nature.

Fire Chief Duelks reminded residents that working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old. For more information on fire safety, residents can contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov.

Find more Westfield public safety news and community information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When did the fire occur on Watchung Fork?
A: The fire occurred Thursday, July 30, 2026. The Fire Department received the call at 9:34 a.m., and the first unit arrived at 9:39 a.m.

Q: Where exactly was the fire?
A: The fire broke out at a home on the 200 block of Watchung Fork in Westfield. The fire was located in the kitchen ceiling and extended to the second floor.

Q: Was anyone hurt in the fire?
A: No one was injured. All residents were safely evacuated from the dwelling.

Q: What caused the fire?
A: Fire Chief Michael Duelks determined that the cause of the fire was accidental in nature.

Q: How did firefighters respond?
A: Westfield firefighters located the active kitchen fire, quickly extinguished it, and completed salvage and overhaul operations to check for additional fire spread. The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, Westfield Police, a Springfield Engine company, and Union County Fire Mutual Aid also assisted.

Q: What did the Fire Chief say about smoke alarms?
A: Fire Chief Duelks reminded residents that working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old.

Q: How can I get more fire safety information?
A: Residents can contact the Westfield Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@westfieldnj.gov for more information on fire safety.

Q: Where can I find more Westfield public safety news?
A: Union County Life covers Westfield public safety announcements, emergency response, and community news. Subscribe to the Westfield newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates.