Welcome to Jackson Station 55

Stations 54, 55 and 57 were dispatched to a possible structure fire on Azalea Circle in the Sixty Acres section early on the evening of November 2.  First arriving Station 54 Chief Ray Tremer and Station 57 Chief Scott Rauch and other responding crews found smoke showing from the structure and after opening up, located an active fire inside a void space above the ceiling of the first floor bathroom.

Ladder / Tower 55′s crew consisting of Lt. Kevin McGinn, Past Chief Rick Masker, Past Chief Chip Smith, Engineer Jack Siedler after performing truck work also stretched an 1 3/4″ line inside and knocked the fire.  55′s crews were assisted by Station 54 and 57.  Due to the fact that the homeowner smelled smoke and called right away, and the quick work of the crews on the scene, the damage was mainly limited to the bathroom area.  The first floor of the home suffered smoke damage, as well as the second floor and adjacent property.  The Ocean County Fire Marshals office is investigating the cause of the fire.  All crews were up and available just after 8 p.m.

On March 21 at 19:12 hours Stations 55 and 54 were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 60 Acres development. At 19:14 hours Ocean County Fire advised numerous phone calls were being received. Shortly thereafter, Chief 5500 Michael Fatovic arrived on location reporting a fire on the second floor, with a heavy smoke condition. Neighbors immediately reported that no one was home but that there were pets inside.

Chief Fatovic called for Whitesville Station 57 to respond to the scene and Cassville Station 56 to respond to a staging area at the Manhattan Plaza in the even they were needed and also to help cover the remainder of the township.

First in Platform Tower Ladder 5505 arrived minutes later and positioned in the front of structure, stretching handline, raising ground ladders and the elevating platform to the second story to assist in ventilation. Second due Engine 5521 laid 5″ supply line to 5505. Third due Engine Jackson Mills 5411 assisted with the handlines into the structure. Second in Truck 5705 laddered the rear side C and with Rescue 5503 vented the roof. All companies did quick work and promptly knocked the fire down, as well as assisting in search for the animals.

The fire was contained to the kitchen, however the unit suffered heavy smoke damage through-out. There were two minor injuries to firefighters who were both treated on the scene by Jackson First Aid.

Additional coverage during the fire was provided by Monmouth County Station 19-5, Freewood Acres Fire Company. One pet survived unharmed, despite quick work by the responders, two however succumbed to their exposure to the smoke.