Woodbridge, NJ (May 14, 2026) – A fire broke out at a house under construction on East Prospect Avenue in Woodbridge on Wednesday afternoon, May 13. Woodbridge Fire Prevention Bureau arrived to find flames coming from the third floor of the three-story home, with fire spreading into the attic space.
Conditions inside the structure quickly got worse, and multiple ceiling collapses occurred. Emergency units pulled crews from the building as the situation became increasingly dangerous.
The fire was elevated to second-alarm status, bringing in additional firefighters from across the area. It took approximately two hours before the fire was declared under control.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury while battling the blaze. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
Our thoughts remain with the injured firefighter as they recover.
Can Firefighters Seek Compensation After Being Injured in a Fire in New Jersey?
Yes, firefighters injured on the job in New Jersey may have legal options available to them. Workers’ compensation is typically the primary option, but depending on the circumstances, other claims may also apply. Understanding what coverage exists can help an injured firefighter plan their next steps.
Firefighters face serious physical risks every time they respond to a call. Structural fires can involve rapid fire spread, ceiling collapses, and unpredictable conditions. Injuries from these incidents can include burns, smoke inhalation, broken bones, or trauma from falling debris. Some symptoms, like respiratory issues from smoke exposure, may not appear immediately but can develop over days or weeks.
In New Jersey, firefighters who are injured in the line of duty are generally covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. This can help cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages during recovery. In some cases, if a third party, such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the conditions that caused the injury, a separate personal injury claim may also be possible. A worker’s compensation attorney can review the details and explain what options may apply to a specific situation.
Keeping records matters after any work-related injury. Medical reports, treatment notes, and documentation of the incident can all play an important role in a compensation claim. A person may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses related to the injury.
At Metro Law, we have experience reviewing injury cases across New Jersey involving firefighters and other workers hurt on the job. We can explain how workers’ compensation, insurance coverage, and third-party claims may work in your case.
To learn more about available options, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476.
