Prosecutors investigating major fire that displaced families in Sommerville

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SOMERVILLE, NJ – A significant fire incident in Somerville is currently under investigation by Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Somerville Police Chief Dennis Manning. The fire occurred on Tuesday afternoon, June 4, 2024, around 2:03 PM on West Main Street.

Responding to a 9-1-1 call, the Somerville Fire Department, assisted by multiple fire companies and emergency medical personnel, battled the four-alarm fire. Firefighters from several jurisdictions, including Finderne, Bound Brook and Hillsborough stations, among others, were mobilized to bring the fire under control. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the traffic stop.

The investigation, led by the Somerville Police Department and the Major Crimes and Fire Investigation Units of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, aims to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

The incident resulted in significant damage to two residential/commercial buildings, forcing several residents to flee their homes. Fortunately, all residents of the building were evacuated safely and without injuries.

During the response, a Somerville police officer suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from the hospital. In addition, four firefighters suffered minor injuries, two of whom were treated at the scene and two in hospital, who were also released.

Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100, the Somerville Police Department at (908) 725-0331, or anonymously at the STOPit app or Stoppers’ Somerset County Crime Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All tips are treated confidentially.