JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – After a fire broke out at a vacant under-construction apartment building at the Club at Jackson Twenty-one, Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn and the township council praised the efforts of first responders, including volunteers from Hatzolah, Chaverim, and the Jackson First Aid Squad.
The fire was battled by Jackson’s paid firefighter services with assistance from the Freehold Independent Fire Company and the Joint Base Fire Department.
Kuhn called the response to the fire, “challenging conditions”, but did not eleborate on claims made by the official township newspaper, the Jackson Times, that there were no nearby working hyrdants.
“The lack of fire hydrants in the developing neighborhood added to the challenge, officials said. Two propane tanks were also located nearby, prompting additional precautions as crews worked to contain the blaze,” the Jackson Times reported shortly after the fire.
Firefighters in town have widely criticized this claim saying there were working hydrants.
Kuhn’s office has not stated whether the official newspaper was incorrect in their reporting or of the firefighters were correct in their responses against that claim.
Less than 24 hours after the last flames were extinguished it was reported that the fire had been deemed ‘accidental in nature’ by investigating fire officials, but that report has yet to be confirmed.
One man was arrested at the scene by the Jackon Police Department for tampering with fire equipment during the response.
The incident raises safety concers in Jackson Township over fire safety at the many large developments under construction. If the fire services did not have access to nearby hydrants at this complex under construction that does have nearby completed building, then what about other apartment complexes under construction, warehouses and single family developments?
The township has yet to address those allegations and relieve fears raised online by residents.
“Our thanks extend to Jackson EMS, Jackson OEM, Hatzalah, and Chaverim for their vital support to residents and responders throughout the incident,” Mayor Kuhn said.
Jackson Twentyone originally promised to build a large downtown business and recreation center that included brick-fronted downtown shops, a town square, theaters, spaces for arts, entertainment venues and other recreation ammenities has only built high-density apartments to date.
There are no plans at this time for the commercial component of the project, the brainchild of the late Mitch Leigh, author of Man of La Mancha. Upon Leigh’s death, the project shifted from an entertainment center to a residential profit center, abandoning the dreams of its creator.
Mayor Kuhn also credited the Jackson Police Department and Interim Chief Mary Nelson for their support and assistance.
Proclamations at town hall are expected in the near future for all as the election season continues in Jackson.