Neighbor Saves Family from Early Morning Fire in Kendall Park Home
Police and firefighters responded to a house fire at 73 Kingsley Road in Kendall Park, NJ, after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a concerned citizen on May 31, 2023, at 5:35 a.m. Upon arrival, the responding officers discovered that the house, which had been evacuated by its occupants, was fully engulfed in flames in the vicinity of the garage. First responders were able to quickly contain the fire, and a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.
The family recounted that they were sleeping when they heard someone knocking on their front door and bedroom windows, alerting them of the fire. They immediately evacuated the building as advised by the neighboring couple who had raised the alarm. They expressed their gratitude to Santo Livio, the 85-year-old neighbor who alerted them and played a significant role in ensuring their safety.
Following the incident, Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department accredited Mr. Livio and the unidentified woman’s quick thinking and heroic actions with saving the family. The Chief commended the community’s teamwork and determination to protect each other, citing this incident as an excellent example of the importance of collaboration in times of crisis.
The Kendall Park Fire Department, along with the Monmouth Junction Fire Department and Kingston Fire Department, joined forces to extinguish the fire. It took the efforts of 50 firefighters, equipped with the necessary firefighting gear from the three township fire departments, to put the fire out. Investigations reveal that the fire began in the garage, but the precise source and point of origin remain unknown pending further inquiries by the Fire Safety Bureau.
The South Brunswick Fire Prevention department has commenced an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. The responding Kendall Park first aid squad and South Brunswick EMS teams also played an essential role in ensuring that there were no injuries during the incident and that those evacuated were safe and well. Chief Hayducka reiterated that the incident reaffirmed the importance of keeping bedroom doors closed in the event of a fire, emphasizing the need to protect oneself in such an event.
Finally, Chief Hayducka praised all the first responders, noting that their timely intervention and efficient strategy had saved lives and property that day. He added that it is crucial to remember that emergencies can happen anywhere and anytime, and being well-prepared can save lives and prevent unnecessary loss of property.
