On Saturday May 31, 2003, at 0430, the Clinton Fire Department(45) was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 12 Main Street. Chief Tim Langston arrived on scene within 3 minutes finding flames coming from the roof of 12 and 10 Main Street.
Chief Langston called for High Bridge Fire Dept(14). and Annandale Hose Co.(46) for mutual aid as well as Raritan Township Fire(21) for their FAST Team. Asst. Chief Scott Wintermute arrived right after Chief Langston and with the help of Clinton Police officer Crilly entered 14-16 Main to evacuate residence from the apartments. Engine 4562 laid a 5" supply from a hydrant and began an aggressive interior attack on 14-16 Main to attempt to stop the spread of fire. Truck 45 arrived and went into operation soon after. Engine 4561 laid another 5" supply line from truck 45 to another hydrant. Lebanon Boro Fire Co.(18) and Quakertown Fire Company(91) were called next to the scene. Stations 18, 46, 14, and 91 went on to establish 3 more 5" and 2- 3" supply lines. Truck 46 set up in the rear of the buildings and truck 14 set up on main street.
Conditions in 14-16 Main Street deteriorated rapidly and an evacuation was ordered. Ladder pipes and deck guns went into operation. The fire was brought under control at 10:17 but a demolition crew was brought in to remove the upper floors of 14-16 Main Street due to the possibility of collapse. The fire was contained to those three buildings, and no other buildings suffered damage due to the fire.
The Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad handled rehab, and EMS. Other units assisting were Pattenburg Fire Company, Califon Fire Company, Hampton Fire Company, Washington Boro Fire Co.(Warren County), East Whitehouse Fire, Flemington Fire Department, Country Hills Fire(Somerset County), High Bridge Emergency Squad, Whitehouse Rescue Squad, Salvation Army Canteen, The American Red Cross, And many generous business' from town who offered food, water, and other facilities.
One firefighter suffered a minor burn during the fire. The last units cleared the scene at 2241.
