Welcome to the Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 web site. Our mission is to save lives and protect our residents, property and the environment as well as educate our community. Known as Station 45, we are proud to serve Montgomery Township, Somerset County and Mercer County, New Jersey. Some of our services include Residential & Commercial Firefighting, Brush Firefighting, General Rescue, Jaws-of-Life, Motor Vehicle Entrapment, Water Rescue, Fire Prevention Awareness & Safety, along with many other services.

All members of our fire department are volunteers. We receive no payment as individuals for any type of service we provide to the community. The average member donates about 350 hours of his/her time per year. We are a fully staffed professional fire department running twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year.

In addition to our Fire Fighting staff, we also work closely with the Police Department, Emergency Medical Service and sister station to serve the 17,481 residents (Census 2000) of Montgomery Township covering 32.25 square miles.

Feel free to browse our site or email the Webmaster if you have
any additional questions.

Brush Fire Keeps Units Busy

On Monday March 23rd at 16:13 hours Montgomery Township Stations 45 and 46 were alerted to Dutchtown-Zion Rd approximately 1 mile from Rt. 601, to a reported brush fire. Chief  45 arrived shortly after reporting a working fire approximately 30 x 50. Due to high winds and red flag fire conditions the fire quickly began spread to well over an acre with flame heights reaching over 20 feet in the tall vegetation. Command immediately requested mutual aid brush trucks from Stations 37 (Hillsborough 2), Station 38 (Hillsborough 3) and Station 52 (Hopewell). The first due brush truck was NJ Forest Fire Unit A15 followed shortly after by 45-141. Both units immediately started an aggressive pump and roll attack stopping much of the fire’s forward progress. Additional brush units continued in for mop-up operations. The fire was held to 2 acres in size. All units cleared by 18:00 hours.

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Mutual Aid Lawrence Twp. 

On March 16 at 17:10 hours Tanker 45-135 was requested to respond for a second alarm tanker task force assignment to 273 Cold Soil Road for a large barn on fire next to a structure. Once on scene tanker 45 assisted with 4 loads delivering 12,000 gallons of water to help extinguish the fire.

Article on Hopewell Fire Company's website
 

Fire on 206

            At 0241hrs on 3/15/09 Somerset County Communications dispatched Station 45 (Montgomery #1) to a report of smoke in the area of 1743 Route 206. Initial arriving units encountered heavy smoke showing from a restaurant under construction. After a quick walk around of the structure the fire was located in the basement. Command requested the first alarm be filled out bringing Stations 46 (Montgomery #2) and 53 (Rocky Hill) to the scene. Do to the ongoing demolition and construction of the building it was previously labeled as unsafe for entry by the townships fire prevention bureau, limiting the initial attack to an exterior operation. Because the interior of the building contained exposed joists and new lightweight construction the fire spread rapidly from the basement through the entire first floor eventually burning through the roof causing most of the structure to collapse. Three ladder towers and multiple master streams were in operation into the late morning hours bringing the fire under control. An excavator was called in to assist with overhaul and the mopping up of hot spots. The incident reached three alarms with additional companies working on scene from, Station 52 (Hopewell), Station 60 (Princeton), Station 37 (Hillsborough). Montgomery, Hillsborough, and Somerville EMS units conducted rehab. All initial companies cleared by 10:30 AM and the scene was turned over to the Montgomery Township Fire Prevention Bureau and The Somerset County Arson Task Force. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Changing of the Guard 

            Ryan Giordano was introduced as the latest chief of Station 45 on February 7th at the annual installation dinner. Alan Clark was also introduced as the newest president of Station 45 and the fire company looks forward to working with him to make 45 an even greater organization. The new line was also installed, including Jeff Huxley as Deputy Chief, Kurt Ewans as Battalion Chief, Rich Kennedy as Captain, Bill Spohn as 1st Lieutenant, Kevin Schroeck as 2nd Lieutenant, Tom Karsay as Safety Officer, and Mike O’Connor as Engineer. Rob Jensen was honored for his service as chief for the past four years during the dinner, along with Brian Voss for his service as president for the past six years. These gentlemen exhibit exemplary dedication and continue to serve within the fire company. A good time was had by all.
 

Fire on High Ridge 

A car caught fire on Wednesday, February 4 in the attached garage of a home on High Ridge Road. Stations 45, 46, 53, as well as Station 52 from Hopewell were dispatched around 3:15 and entered the garage to extinguish the vehicle. Once extinguished, the vehicle was removed from the garage and minimal extension was found leading to the house. 45 units were secured at 10:58 following an extensive overhaul.

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Sign on Fire at Shop Rite 

On January 26th at 23:16 Stations 45, 46, and 53 were dispatched to Shop Rite (Station 46 as primary) for a report of fire on the roof. Upon arrival, 46C1 established command and advised units of an exterior sign on fire. Units from 46 and 53 secured power to the building and the fire was put out using a dry chemical extinguisher. Ladder 45-116 responded and stood by until the call was secured at 23:32.

Link to 2008 Articles