MOUNTAIN LAKES – On Thursday, November 23, at 4:05 p.m., the Mountain Lakes Fire Department received a call about a potential residential structure fire with a possible entrapment situation at 190 Laurel Hill Road, near the Craig School (Wilson School).
Mountain Lakes emergency units swiftly responded, arriving at the scene within three minutes of the initial dispatch. Upon arrival, they encountered a fully engulfed structure. Mountain Lakes Engine 1 quickly secured a hydrant and deployed two hose lines for fire suppression.
Given the severity of the situation, the fire was escalated to a second alarm, prompting the arrival of additional mutual aid resources. Multiple hose lines and two ladder trucks were deployed to combat the blaze.
Throughout their efforts, responders faced challenges including partial structural collapses and intense fire conditions within the building.
The fire was finally brought under control at 6:15 p.m. Mountain Lakes Engine 1 continued to monitor the scene until 4:30 a.m., addressing any lingering hot spots or flare-ups with support from the Town of Boonton Fire Department.
Fortunately, it was determined that no occupants were inside the structure at the time of the fire, and there were no reported injuries.
This historic home, constructed in 1911, had a unique history, as the current resident, a member of the Mountain Lakes High School Class of ’67, was the grandson of the original owners. Over the years, the house had served as the location for a Nursery School.
