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Crime & Safety

Fire Department Investigates Call at County Probation Building

A report of smoke in the building led to an evacuation, and subsequent investigation

Just before 11 a.m. on this past Wednesday morning, Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 were sent to the Ocean County Probation Department building, for a reported burning odor in the building.

"Fire Chief Robert Sinnott of Silverton Fire Company #1, along with Ocean County Fire Coordinator Chris Aldrich, were in the area and the first fire officers to arrive. Upon Chief Sinnott's arrival, he observed that the building had been evacuated, and found a smoke condition in a second floor conference room, which appeared to be emanating from the ceiling. Multiple light fixtures and the room's contents were examined and eliminated as the heat source causing the smoke," said Fire District #1 Chief John H. Lightbody.

Firefighters then accessed the roof, and located a burning motor within one of the natural gas-fired heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. The electric power and gas supply to the unit was subsequently secured by fire officials.

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"Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 20 more minutes to mechanically evacuate the smoke from the second floor. All units were secured from the scene at 11:52 a.m.," reported District Chief Lightbody.

An engine company and accompanying ladder responded from East Dover Volunteer Fire Company #4, along with additional engine companies from Toms River Fire Company #2 and Silverton Fire Company #1 responded to the scene. During fire department operations, Washington Street was temporarily closed between Hadley Avenue and Hooper Avenue.

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The operations were under the command of District Chief Lightbody, and the fire's cause is being jointly investigated by the Toms River Township Fire Prevention Bureau and the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office.

If anyone has any questions or information regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact District Chief Lightbody at at 732-606-2960, or jlightbody@trfire.org.

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