This is the 2nd large multi-alarm fire in the region within 12-hours and appears to be in warehouse/industrial use building.
HAMILTON, NJ – On May 18, 2023, at approximately 12:30 AM, Hamilton Fire Division was dispatched for a building fire at 533 Whitehead Road, the former Goodall Rubber building, now operated by Hakim International Trading.
While en route, the Battalion Chief on duty was notified of a large column of smoke visible from a distance from the location of the fire. The first arriving fire engine reported a large fire on two floors and determined that defensive operations would be used. Upon arrival on the scene, the Battalion Chief immediately transmitted a 2nd alarm to bring in surrounding towns. Several homes adjacent to the property were recommended to be evacuated for safety and to assist with firefighting response.
The Hamilton Police Division has closed multiple roads in the area of the incident, and detours have been established. The Hamilton Township Construction Officer has determined that portions of the building require demolition. As such, we anticipate that the intersection of Whitehead Road and Sweetbriar Avenue will be closed through Friday morning’s commute.
At its peak, the fire was operating at four alarms with 26 firefighting units from 14 municipalities on scene. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is on scene taking air quality samples, and no concerns have been detected thus far. One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton hospital for evaluation.
We appreciate the fourteen area municipalities, the Hamilton Police Division, the Hamilton Township Building Inspections Division, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the NJDEP for their assistance.
The incident is being investigated by the Hamilton Township Police, Hamilton Township Fire Investigation Unit, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Division at (609) 581-4000.
Above photos provided by: Hamilton Township
Original MidJersey.news story below:
May 18, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters are on the scene of a multi-alarm fire in the 500 Block of Whitehead Road near Sweet Briar Avenue. The fire was dispatched around 12:35 a.m. for 533 Whitehead Road, with reports of fire on the first and second floor with a large column of smoke in the air. A second alarm was called immediately sending help from surrounding towns to the scene.
The address for 533 Whitehead Road comes back to Sweet Briar West Industrial Park and appears to be a mix of warehousing and industrial use. The building was formerly part of the Goodall Rubber Complex.
Traffic Advisory:
Please avoid the area of WHITE HEAD RD and SWEETBRIAR AVE. Fire Units on scene of a wear house fire. Expect closures until further notice.
***Street Closings in the area***
SLOAN AVE/KLOCKNER RD (closed)
RT 1 North Bound down to 1 Lane
WHITE HEAD/THIRD AVE (CLOSED)
ASSUNPINK BLVD (CLOSED)
This is still a very active fire scene and further details will be provided later in the day.
This is the second large commercial warehousing/industrial type building fire within 12-hours. As some fire departments were being relieved at the South Brunswick warehouse fire they responded to this warehouse fire in Hamilton Township.
This is the second large warehouse industrial building fire in the region as some firefighters were returning from South Brunswick they responded to Hamilton Township for another multi alarm fire.
Photos above: Anthony Greco
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