Boiler Steam Triggers Fire Alarm At Toms River South

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Steam from uncapped piping in the heating system led tripped a fire alarm Monday morning at Toms River High School South, Toms River fire officials said.

The fire alarm resulted in Toms River Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2 being dispatched to the high school on Hyers Street at 5:25 a.m., fire officials said.

Chief Brian O'Neill arrived and saw what appeared to be smoke and heat in one of the classrooms, and upgraded the call to a possible structure fire, officials said. Firefighters who arrived were able to determine the issue was a steam leak from the building's mechanical system.

Firefighters discovered a contractor left piping uncapped and open while installing new equipment, and the cold temperatures Monday morning caused the thermostat to fire the boiler and produce steam, officials said.

The steam was seen in multiple areas in the high school. Crews shut down the boilers and isolated the issue, officials said.

Additional units from East Dover Fire Company and Island Heights Fire Department responded, fire officials said.