JACKSON-On Sunday morning at 03:08 am, the Whitesville & Cassville Fire Departments, along with Jackson EMS, & Jackson Police Department were dispatched to a Structure Fire at the intersection of South St, & 1st St. in Southwinds Mobile Home Park.

While enroute multiple 911 calls received reporting a working structure fire. Upon arrival Whitesville Fire Chief Dave Johnson reported a working fire, with the occupant and his pet had evacuated the home.

Whitesville, Cassville, Jackson fire departments responded with assistance from Joint Base McGuire/Dix/ Lakehurst who provided Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), and Pleasant Plains Fire Department who provided station coverage. The fire was brought under control at 04:18, with units remaining on scene until 06:30.

The cause of the fire at this time is under investigation by Jackson District 2 Fire Marshal Scott Rauch, and Ocean County Fire Marshal John Pasola.

It’s important to note, that the property owner was alerted to the fire by his dog, who jumped on his bed barking, both the owner & the dog escaped unharmed.

At 3:08am on March 5, 2017 the Jackson Police Department received a 911 call regarding a structural fire at 109 First Street. First Street is in the Southwind Mobile Home Development off East Veterans Highway. Upon officer’s arrival, the sole homeowner and his dog were already outside the residence. The homeowner indicated he emptied his ashtray into the garbage can prior to going to sleep. About an hour later, the homeowner stated he was awoken when his dog Marley jumped on his bed to get his attention. After waking, the homeowner noticed smoke in the air, an orange glow coming from the kitchen area of the mobile home and the smoke detectors alarming. The homeowner was able to exit the mobile home through a bedroom window with his dog without sustaining any injuries.

Jackson Fire Companies Station 55, 56 and 57 responded along with Jackson First Aid. The Ocean County Fire Marshall also responded and assisted with the investigation. Jackson Police Officer Javier DeLaTorre, Officer Kafton and Officer Daniels responded and assisted. A portion of the mobile home development and East Veterans Highway were closed to all traffic until approximately 6:30am.

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