Bethlehem Township, NJ (December 1, 2025) – A house fire in Bethlehem Township sent two residents to the hospital and killed three dogs on Sunday afternoon, November 20. New Jersey State Police said troopers responded around 1:45 p.m. to a structure fire on Charleston Road in Hunterdon County. When crews arrived, flames had already taken over much of the home.
Police reported that the occupants escaped before troopers reached the property. Even so, the fire caused injuries to the residents. Paramedics evaluated them at the scene and then transported them to a nearby hospital for further checks. Officials have not shared details about the residents’ specific injuries, but they described them as non-life-threatening.
Investigators remained on Charleston Road through the afternoon to examine the damaged residence. They have not confirmed what started the fire. The investigation remains active.
We hope the injured residents recover quickly.
House Fires in New Jersey 
House fires can change a family’s life in minutes. Even when people escape, heat and smoke can still cause real harm. Many victims deal with breathing trouble from smoke inhalation, burns, or injuries from rushing out. After the emergency ends, families often face a second wave of stress. They may need medical care, a safe place to stay, and help replacing what the fire destroyed.
Investigators usually look at wiring, appliances, heating systems, and smoke alarms to find the cause. If a fire started because someone failed to keep a property safe, the injured residents can have the right to claim compensation through a personal injury claim. This can apply to landlords, property managers, contractors, or even product makers if a defective item sparked the blaze.
Possible compensation in a fire injury case may include:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance care, emergency treatment, hospital stays, medication, and follow-up visits.
- Future medical care, such as breathing therapy, burn care, or long-term treatment for lasting health effects.
- Lost wages, covering the time you missed from work while recovering.
- Reduced earning ability, if injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering, for physical pain and emotional distress linked to the fire.
- Property loss, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and other personal items destroyed in the fire.
- Temporary housing and living costs, such as hotel stays, rent, food, and basic necessities while you rebuild.
- Emotional loss tied to pets, when a fire causes the death of a companion animal, which can deepen the trauma for a household.
It is also important to avoid rushing into insurance decisions. Insurers may push quick settlements that do not cover long term needs. Speaking with a personal injury attorney early gives you a clearer view of your options, especially when injuries and property loss overlap.
Every fire case is different, and full compensation depends on proving what caused the blaze and who had a duty to prevent it. Early action helps protect evidence like fire reports, photos, maintenance records, and witness statements.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a New Jersey house fire, we are here to help you move forward. At Metro Law, we take fire injury cases seriously and fight for the accountability families deserve.
Let us review your situation, explain your rights, and pursue full compensation for your losses. Call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 today for a free consultation.
