Active Gas Main Fire Prompts Evacuations and Road Closures on Millstone River Road

Local emergency crews and utility teams remain on the scene of an active underground gas fire that began late Wednesday night near 1243 Millstone River Road. While the fire remains active as of Thursday morning, officials report there have been no injuries or damage to residential property.

The incident began on February 18, 2026, at approximately 10:05 p.m., when the Hillsborough Township Police Department responded to reports of a transformer fire. Upon arrival, patrol units observed a live electrical wire sparking on the ground and flames venting from a sewer drain. Following the arrival of PSE&G crews, it was determined that a leak in an underground gas pipeline was fueling the fire.

As a safety precaution, emergency responders evacuated five families from the immediate area. Fire Chief Chris Weniger noted that the evacuations were conducted out of an overabundance of caution to ensure resident safety while the fire continues to burn.

OEM Director Bob Wagner confirmed that PSE&G is currently on-site working to reduce pressure in the gas main. This process is required to allow crews to safely turn off the valve, extinguish the fire, and identify the specific sections of the pipeline requiring repair.

Millstone River Road is currently closed to all traffic between Claremont Drive and the Millstone River Road Bypass. Drivers are instructed to follow posted detours and should expect significant delays in the area for the duration of the morning.

The coordinated response involves several local and county agencies, including the Hillsborough Township Police Department, the Hillsborough Fire Marshal, Hillsborough Fire Companies 36, 37, and 38, Hillsborough Township OEM, Somerset County OEM, and Robert Wood Johnson EMS.