MIDDLETOWN, NJ - At 6:24 AM on Wednesday August 1, 2012 the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to 111 Leonardville Road in the Belford section of the Township for a “report of a possible structure fire at the EZ Quick Mart”. 

Approximately 45 firefighters from 5 companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department (Belford Engine, Independent, Brevent Park, Community, and Port Monmouth fire companies), under the command of Chief Andrew Spears, responded to the scene.  Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from all sides of the single story commercial structure at 115 Leonardville Road.  

The fire was quickly located in room in a rear corner of the building.  The initial firefighting teams from the Belford Engine, Independent and Community fire companies attacked the fire with hose lines.  The firefighters discovered that the fire had extended into the ceiling and roof structure of the building.  Firefighters from the Brevent Park Fire Company used power saws to open holes in the roof release heat and toxic smoke allowing the interior crews to extinguish the fire.  A Rapid Intervention Crew from the Port Monmouth Fire Company stood by to provide emergency assistance to any firefighters that may have become trapped or disabled.  Chief Spears declared the fire under control by 7:10 AM. 

The Middletown Township Fire Police closed down Leonardville road from approximately 7:40 to 8:00 AM.

Also assisting at the scene were the MTFD Air Unit and the Leonardo, Middletown and Lincroft First Aid Squads. 

The structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage.

There were no reported injuries.

The cause fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Bureau. 

Pictures Courtesy of MTFD Photographers.