A fire broke out Wednesday morning at the Tri City Plaza shopping center on Route 9, prompting a swift response from the Pleasant Plains Fire Department.
At approximately 11:31 a.m., firefighters were dispatched following an activated fire alarm. Shortly after, additional 911 calls reported visible smoke emanating from the pump room at the rear of the building.
Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke inside the fire sprinkler room. Firefighters used a single 1-3/4” hand line to extinguish the fire, which was successfully contained to the room of origin by the building’s sprinkler system. Fortunately, no injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported.
However, the fire caused significant damage to the building’s life safety systems. As a result, the Toms River Building Department declared the structure unsafe for occupancy until repairs to the fire alarm and suppression systems are completed. Repair efforts are already underway, with authorities working closely with property management to minimize disruptions to businesses.
An investigation by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspector DeEsposito determined the fire was accidental, caused by a mechanical failure in the diesel-powered fire pump located in the sprinkler room.