Two fires set inside new middle school in Millstone
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

The New Jersey State Police seek additional information about two fires set at the new Millstone middle school on Oct. 26.

A construction worker at the new middle school site off Waters Lane and Baird Road reported the fires to the state police over 911 at 5:59 p.m., according to Steve Jones, public information officer for the state police.

"The construction worker reported that there were fires inside of the building near the auditorium and that he would attempt to put them out with a fire extinguisher," Jones said.

Jones said the police termed the incident "arson" and sent its Arson/Bomb Unit out to investigate.

Due to the non-hydrant area and the large building, the Millstone Fire Company requested mutual aid from Manalapan's Station 26-2. Fire departments from Englishtown and Freehold also responded to the scene for mutual aid due to heavy smoke pouring out from the rear of the two-story building. Millstone Township First Aid Squad also responded to the incident.

The fires caused no injuries and no significant damage, according to Jones.

Debris in two separate locations in the middle school, which is still under construction and scheduled to open next year, were set ablaze, according to Jones. He said the locations of the fires were in the cafeteria and in a hallway near the auditorium portion of the building.

"We have not charged anybody," Jones said. "We will gladly accept any additional information residents may have about the incident."

Anyone with additional information about the incident should contact the New Jersey State Police Hamilton Barracks at (609) 584-5000, ext. 5297.