Jackson Station 55

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.