At 6:26 am, on February 23, Battalion 13, Tower Ladder 24, Engine 22, Squrt 51 & Squrt 31 and Ladder 44 were dispatched to the 200 Building of Garden Park Blvd in the new Garden State Race Track development. First arriving units discovered smoke emanating from the third floor balcony, the fire alarm was active and the building was under evacuation. The first engine and ladder advanced to the interior third floor and found light smoke in the public hallway. Firefighters received no answer and used forcible entry to access Unit #233 where they found a fire in the floor, and walls around the balcony. One hose line was stretched, and firefighters used thermal imaging cameras and tools to expose, and extinguish the fire. In addition firefighters accessed the apartment below Unit # 223 and worked to open up the ceiling in the area of the balcony to contain the fire.
CHPD and CHFD EMS assisted occupants during the evacuation, and provided a secure and warm space until the remaining smoke was removed from the public hallways. Mamco Property Management assumed control of the building, and began efforts to re-secure the two effected units. CHFD Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
