Sprinkler system saves Toms River storage complex from fire damage, officials say

TOMS RIVER A fire at the Smart Stop storage building complex on Route 37 in the township was kept under control Monday night when the business sprinkler system functioned properly, averting what could have been a much more dangerous incident, fire officials said.

East Dover Fire Company crews responded to a fire call at 7:30 p.m. and arrived to a smoke condition on the first floor of the West building, according to a statement by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. An activated fire sprinkler head was found to be operating and the crews discovered an extinguished fire in a large plastic commercial garbage can.

The crews, led by Chief Richard Tutela, secured the control valve to the sprinkler system, removed the garbage can and contents from the building, and conducted salvage and overhaul operations.

One 155-degree sprinkler head suppressed the fire without it spreading to other parts of the building, according to fire officials. Officials said, because the system functioned the way it was designed to, the business will be allowed to remain open, with only minor cleanup needed.

Inspector Kieran Flynn of the TR Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the investigation. Flynn determined the fire was accidental, saying that discarded smoking material in the plastic garbage can was the cause of the fire.

There were no injuries reported.

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Sprinkler system saves Toms River storage complex from fire damage, officials say