Crime & Safety

Electrical Fire at Hamilton House Damages Two Apartments

No injuries have been reported at this time.

Shortly after 7:40 p.m. Sunday, an electrical fire began at the Hamilton House apartments on Mountain Avenue in Westfield.

A resident of the complex said the fire began approximately five minutes after power had been restored to the buildings. Another resident said he heard loud pops and saw flashes that lit up the sky coming from behind the building.

"The fire started in the exterior by the electrical service and extended into the interior of the building, causing damage to two apartments," said Westfield Fire Chief Daniel Kelly. "The department today has been receiving multiple calls as PSE&G reenergizes sections of the electrical grid. We’ve had several brush fires today due to arcing wires."

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Kelly said the tenants of both apartments are away and no injuries have been reported at this time.

Hamilton House was the scene of a four-alarm fire in which one victim was injured in April 2011.

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A resident of the complex commended the Westfield Fire Department for its quick response time. 

Mutual aid was provided by the Springfield, Plainfield and Cranford fire departments.


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