Garbage Chute Fire Leads To Evacuation At Freehold Boro Apartment Building

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — A complete building evacuation was ordered at Rug Mill Apartments on Monday following a fire in the building's garbage chute, the Freehold Fire Department said.

Around 6 a.m. on Monday, authorities said the fire department was dispatched to the apartments for a fire alarm.

After calling in service, Assistant Chief John O’Grady was notified by county dispatch of an active fire and smoke condition on the first floor of the building.

Mutual aid (including the East Freehold Fire Company and Freehold Township Independent Fire Company #1) was then added to the response.

Once units arrived at the apartments, they found a fire contained to the garbage chute and suppressed by sprinklers, which required a complete evacuation of the building, the department said.

While the fire did not extend beyond the chute, authorities said heavy smoke was present throughout the building, which required extensive ventilation.

Additional resources were requested from the Morganville Independent Fire Company for their high-powered fan unit.

No serious injuries were reported, according to Freehold Emergency Medical Services.

The Freehold Fire Department thanked all mutual aid companies, Freehold Emergency Medical Services, Freehold Borough Police Department and the Freehold Township Police Department for their assistance.

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