Family grateful for officials' response to fire

On Sunday night, Dec. 21, at 11:45 p.m., we were awakened by the dreaded alarm of the smoke detector in the upper hallway of our home. After a check of the detector to be sure it was not malfunctioning, we did a quick search to locate the cause of the smoke. As we descended from the second level, the smoke became thicker and we found the smoke source to be a fire burning in the wall between the fireplace and the kitchen.

We called 911 and the Spotswood Police Department responded within minutes to help us out of the house. The Spotswood Fire Department arrived shortly along with units from the Monroe and East Brunswick fire departments.

As the fire department investigated the fire source using infrared equipment, they were able to pinpoint the location of the fire and remove appliances and sections of wall to extinguish the fire. The firefighters did an outstanding and professional job in keeping us informed of each step along the way in locating the fire and what they were going to do to extinguish it.

Given the fact that there were probably 50 firefighters called out and 10 to 15 within the house at any one time locating the fire, removing wall sections, moving appliances and putting out the fire, we were pleased to find that there was no damage to the house or contents other than what had to be done to locate and put out the fire. They treated our home with the respect and care that they would have as if it had been their own home.

From this experience, we have learned a number of things: The value of operating smoke detectors; the importance of knowing what to do in a fire emergency; the need to have fireplaces inspected on a regular basis; and that it is a privilege to live in a town with such dedicated and professional fire and police departments.

We are grateful to all involved for their efforts in saving our home from more serious damage. Thanks to all.

Jean and Joe Ertle

Spotswood