Crime & Safety
WATCH: White Castle Goes Up in Smoke During Green Brook Firefighter Drill
VIDEO: Did you see White Castle go up in smoke Thursday night? Don't worry Green Brook firefighters were conducting a drill inside.
GREEN BROOK, NJ — Did you see White Castle in Green Brook go up in smoke Thursday night? Don't worry it was just a drill by the Green Brook Fire-EMS department.
Before the iconic White Castle on Route 22 West is demolished, fire fighters smoked out the building to get in some training.
Green Brook Fire Lt. Tim Richard explained how firefighters used a smoke machine and smoke bombs to cloud up the inside of the restaurant to simulate a fire. A "victim" was then placed in one of the bathrooms.
Find out what's happening in Watchung-Green Brookfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Firefighters equipped with more than 40 pounds of gear made their way through the smoke to locate the "victim" and safely bring him to the exit.
Find out what's happening in Watchung-Green Brookfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dunellen Fire Department also participated in the drill. They used a ladder to get up on the roof of the White Castle to simulate assisting in a real fire.
"In a real fire, they would cut a whole in the roof to let the heat and smoke rise and escape to help firefighters inside the building better," Lt. Richard said.
White Castle also served all of the members burgers and drinks at the conclusion of the drill.
The firefighters take advantage of any building or home that will be soon be demolished to brush up on training, no matter their experience level. There were men who are still in the academy to those who have volunteered more than 20 years.
They plan to return for more training on Saturday.
(Photos and video by Alexis Tarrazi)
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.
Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
