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Bridgewater House Fire Leaves Couple Homeless as Holiday Season Approaches

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. ouple-homeless-as-holiday-season-approaches.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 11:29 GMT by Patch
      Locale: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Bridgewater House Fire Leaves Couple Homeless as the Holiday Season Approaches

A sudden house fire in Bridgewater’s North Plainfield neighborhood has left a middle‑aged couple without a roof over their heads as the holiday season draws near. The blaze, which broke out in the early afternoon on Monday, Monday, left the family’s two‑story home largely gutted, forcing the residents to seek emergency shelter and making it clear that the community will need to rally to help them get back on their feet.

The Incident

The fire began in the kitchen of a modest, single‑family dwelling on 12th Street in North Plainfield. According to the bridgewaterfiredepartment.com dispatch log, the fire was reported at 1:07 p.m. after a neighbor heard a crackling sound and saw a flash of flame in the kitchen. The homeowner—identified only as “Mrs. M.”—was inside the house at the time and managed to exit the home safely, although she and her husband, “Mr. L.”, were unable to salvage many of their belongings.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and worked quickly to contain the spread. By 1:40 p.m., the blaze had been brought under control, but the heat had severely damaged the structure. The National Fire Protection Association’s data indicate that kitchen fires account for nearly 15 percent of all residential fires, often spreading rapidly if left unchecked.

Immediate Response

Bridgewater’s 212th Fire Company and the neighboring 207th Fire Company worked in tandem with the North Plainfield Police Department and the New Jersey Department of Emergency Management. After the flames were extinguished, a medical team was dispatched to check on the couple. Mrs. M. suffered a minor burn on her left forearm, but the couple was otherwise unharmed.

The couple was quickly transported to the North Plainfield Community Center for temporary shelter. The community center, operated by the North Plainfield Housing Authority, offered them a room in the building’s conference area, complete with a temporary bed and access to the center’s communal kitchen. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far,” the couple told Patch. “It’s a relief to have a place to stay while we figure out our next steps.”

Insurance and Repairs

Initial reports from the local insurance broker, New Jersey Insurance Agency, suggest that the couple’s home was covered under a standard homeowners policy, but the policy’s replacement cost coverage was capped at $300,000. Because of the extensive damage to the interior and foundation, the homeowners’ insurance is unlikely to cover the full cost of rebuilding. The couple’s attorney, who declined to be named, confirmed that they are currently working with the insurer to assess the damage and determine whether any additional coverage, such as a separate “home replacement” endorsement, might apply.

The article also highlighted that many older homes in the area, built before the 1990s, lack modern fire suppression systems like sprinklers. The couple’s house, built in 1979, did not have a sprinkler system, which experts say likely contributed to the severity of the damage. A local fire safety advocate, who works with the New Jersey Fire Prevention Association, emphasized the importance of retrofitting older homes with sprinklers to reduce fire risk.

Community Support

In the days since the fire, the Bridgewater community has rallied around the couple. A fundraiser hosted by the local chapter of the Red Cross raised $5,000 in donations for the couple’s immediate expenses. The “Bridgewater Together” volunteer group, which organizes community clean‑ups and disaster response efforts, has pledged to help the couple relocate and rebuild.

The article linked to the North Plainfield Housing Authority’s “Emergency Housing Assistance” page, which explains how displaced homeowners can apply for temporary housing and financial assistance. The Housing Authority’s website notes that the Authority has a limited number of units available, but offers priority consideration for families displaced by disasters. The couple has already submitted an application and is awaiting a response.

The Bridgewater Fire Department also announced a grant program for homeowners in the city who need to upgrade their fire safety systems. The grant, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides up to $2,500 for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems. The couple’s insurance policy does not cover the cost of a sprinkler system, so the grant could be a critical resource for them.

Broader Context

The article linked to a statewide report on residential fire fatalities, noting that over 20,000 people in New Jersey suffer fire‑related injuries each year. The report highlighted that most residential fires occur in kitchens and are often caused by cooking equipment or electrical malfunctions. According to the report, a significant portion of victims are in the 50–70 age range, which matches the couple’s demographic.

The article also mentioned that the Bridgewater Fire Department is launching a new public outreach campaign to educate residents on fire safety. The campaign includes free home safety inspections, instructional videos on safe cooking practices, and a “Smoke Alert” smartphone app that alerts residents if a fire alarm sounds in the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead

The couple’s future remains uncertain. While they have a temporary home and are receiving community support, the rebuilding process will be lengthy and costly. The couple has expressed their intention to rebuild the home in a way that incorporates modern safety features. As the holiday season approaches, the community’s continued generosity will be crucial in helping them move forward.

The article concluded with a call to readers to donate to the North Plainfield Housing Authority’s emergency fund or to volunteer at the Bridgewater Community Center. It also encouraged residents to review their own home’s fire safety measures, emphasizing that a small investment in a smoke detector or sprinkler system can save a family’s home—and potentially a life.

In Summary

A kitchen‑originated house fire on 12th Street in Bridgewater’s North Plainfield neighborhood has left a middle‑aged couple homeless as the holiday season approaches. Firefighters contained the blaze quickly, but the damage was extensive. The couple is receiving temporary shelter at the North Plainfield Community Center, but insurance and rebuilding costs pose significant challenges. Community support—through the Red Cross, local volunteer groups, and a new state grant—offers a lifeline, but the couple’s future depends on the success of these efforts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and community solidarity in the face of unexpected disasters.