MADISON — Emergency crews responded early Sunday morning to a structure fire in an abandoned two-story home located within the Drew Forest Preserve, prompting a second-alarm response and an ongoing investigation.
At approximately 6:00 a.m., Madison Police received a report of a possible brush fire off Loantaka Way. Upon arrival, Madison Fire Department personnel discovered the flames were coming from an abandoned structure hidden deep within the forest.
Firefighters quickly escalated the situation to a second alarm, bringing in additional support to combat the blaze and protect the nearby Zuck Arboretum.
Crews worked for nearly three hours to extinguish the fire and monitor for hotspots to prevent further spread into the surrounding wooded area.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Madison Fire Department, Madison Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office,” officials said in a joint statement.
Madison Fire Chief Wickman commended the swift and united response.
“I’m grateful for the quick response and coordinated efforts of all the agencies that assisted this morning,” said Chief Wickman. “Thanks to their hard work and teamwork, the fire was contained quickly, preventing further damage to the surrounding forest.”
The Borough of Madison expressed appreciation to mutual aid partners from Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Morris Township, Morristown, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for their assistance on scene and for covering the firehouse during the operation.
