Local Fire Departments Extinguish Blaze in Minutes
Save Residence

A Kings Highway resident, Dr. Charles Wiedemann called on 911, reporting that his house was on fire.  Washington Township Communications immediately dispatched the Schooley's Mountain Fire Protection Association, Long Valley First Aid Squad, the Fairmont Fire Department.  Assistance was later requested from other area fire and police departments.  The Budd Lake Fire Department, NJ Forest Fire, the Mansfield Police and Fire Departments, and the Chester Fire Company responded to assist. 

Sergeant Adams was the first police unit on the scene, and found the front second floor portion of the house fully involved in flame.  Sergeant Adams entered the residence and assisted Dr.  Wiedemann out of the house.  Dr. Charles Wiedemann has numerous pets and he was rescuing them from the fire.  The first fire personnel aggressively attacked the fire and were successful in extinguishing the majority of the fire with hand lines in under five minutes. 

Animal Control Officers Ghetti and Mitkus removed the majority of the animals from the residence and transported them for treatment at a veterinarian.  Detective Sergeant Pellegrino initiated an investigation and determined the fire started in an upstairs bedroom.  Investigation determined the most probable cause of the fire was faulty electrical wiring.  The investigation determined the fire was not suspicious. 

December 10, 2003