Waretown Fire Department responded to the Tradewinds Apartment Complex for a report of an automatic fire alarm from the trash room.
While enroute units were updated by dispatch of a smell of smoke from multiple 911 callers at the complex.

Chief 3600, Deputy Chief 3610 and Engine 3601 arrived to find a fire contained to the trash compactor, in the trash room. The fire was extinguished quickly and the upper floors checked for fire extension with negative findings. The building was ventilated and residents were allowed to re-enter their apartments.

The compactors power was secured until repairs could be made and fire marshals from both Ocean County and the NJ Division of Fire Safety were notified and responded for the investigation/inspection.

***A few reminders to help us during our response for all residents during fire emergencies not just complex’s but homes as well.***

-Please immediately evacuate to a safe location at a minimum one building away. Do not stay in the building, we will get you back in your homes as soon as possible. If we can’t other arrangements will be made.

-Do not crowd the building or parking lots. Please give us space to work, there will be a lot of us and a lot of apparatus arriving from multiple directions.

-If you hear sirens and see fire and police arriving, please do not start to move your vehicles. If they are in a legal parking spot they are already out of our way. Moving multiple vehicle hampers our arrival and positioning of apparatus. (Unless asked to do so by first responders)

-Please shut your doors as you are evacuating. This will drastically slow smoke and heat from traveling through the building. Fresh air makes fires larger at a faster rate. You will notice our firefighters controlling openings and doors prior to suppression. This is to slow fire growth and spread until our equipment is in place. Residents closing their doors on their way out, aids in this process.