Sprinklers Help Contain Store Fire At Freehold Raceway Mall

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Sprinkler systems helped contain a fire at Sole Culture sneaker store at the Freehold Raceway Mall Friday morning, fire officials said.

The fire was reported at about around 8 a.m. Friday and no employees were in the store, fire officials said.

Freehold Township police said there were no injuries in the fire, but there was "extensive" water damage from the sprinklers.

Police said the cause of fire is still under investigation but it's not believed to be suspicious.

The mall was open and operating yesterday, bur mall management did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chief Craig Haas of Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. #1 said his company and mutual aid from Freehold Borough, Englishtown, Gordons Corner and Adelphia companies all responded to the scene, as did police and fire officials.

He said the sprinkler system "did what it's supposed to do" and contained the fire to the one store. He said a line was stretched into the store from a service entrance and water flow was started to ensure the fire was out.

"There was a great deal of smoke," Haas said, and there was also water damage in that store and nearby areas.

Haas said Freehold Township and Monmouth County Fire Marshall officials are investigating the cause, as well as the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.