FIRE IN PRISON CELL AT EAST JERSEY STATE PRISON IN WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY
January 30, 2015
WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY – A
fire at East Jersey State Prison started in one cell, according to a
spokeswoman for the state Department of Correction.
Deirdre Fedkenheuer, corrections department spokesman, said
no inmates were injured. She said inmates were moved to the gym and dining
area. She said the fire was confined to the one cell.
John Mitch, Avenel fire commissioner, however said the 11
a.m. fire was in one cell and extended to cells on both sides.
A number of fire departments arrived to assist the Avenel
Fire Department, including South Plainfield and Perth Amboy, Mitch said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Division
of Fire Safety, Mitch said.
The prison, located on Woodbridge Road near the Rahway
border, houses maximum-, medium- and minimum-security male inmates.
Many motion pictures have been filmed at the facility due to
its large dome and distinctive architecture and imposing metal gates, according
to the prison's website.