Officer Injured During Hopatcong Structure Fire

DATE: 04/19/15                CASE:15-04378

TIME: 23:33

LOCATION: Eugene Road

WHO LIVES THERE: Brian Whiteman

WAS ANYONE INSIDE:Yes him and 3 juvenile children

WAS ANYONE INJURED: Officer Schultz

WAS ANYONE KILLED:  No

ANY PETS INJURED OR KILLED: No

WHAT FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED: Hopatcong

WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE: Still under investigation possible electrical.

WHERE DID IT START: Outside of the front bay window

IS ARSON SUSPECTED: No

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE: damage to the eves. Smoke and water damage inside the home

ANY OTHER INFORMATION: Mr. Whiteman was sitting on his couch when he saw lights flickering outside his picture window.  When he looked out he saw flames on the outside decorative column that goes from the porch to the roof.  He got his children out of the house and called the Fire Department.  Patrolman Cirri and Patrolman Schultz used the fire extinguishers from their patrol cars to knock down the fire. There were still flames in the eves.  Officer Schultz accidently ingested some powder from the fire extinguisher.  He was taken to St. Clair’s Hospital checked out and released.  The Hopatcong Fire Department responded and put the fire out.  At this time it is unknown how the fire started and is under investigation.

Post-structure fire in Hopatcong. Image courtesy of the Hopatcong Police Department.

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