Bridgewater, New Jersey Fire District #3 fire companies responded on October 29, 2004 at 1:58 am to a house fire on Sterling Drive.
Upon arrival, the first floor was fully involved. No one was home at the time, neighbors reported to police that the family was out of the country on vacation.
A quick defensive operation spared the two "B" and "D" exposures, with the "B" house suffering significant external damage to its siding and walls.
Assisting North Branch were Country Hills, Green Knoll, Bradley Gardens, Raritan, and Bradley Gardens First Aid & Rescue.
The cause is still under investigation but early indications are that the fire may have started in the basement.
The fire was discovered by police on routine patrol.