2 schools evacuated after fire erupts at a pool business in Gloucester County, New Jersey

Thursday, January 23, 2025
2 schools evacuated after fire erupts at a pool business in Gloucester County
A fire at a pool business in Gloucester County, New Jersey forced the evacuation of two nearby schools on Thursday.

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A fire at a pool business in Gloucester County, New Jersey forced the evacuation of two nearby schools on Thursday.

The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. in the 600 block of Harding Highway in Franklin Township.

The decision was made to relocate the students due to concerns over air quality in the area.

Hazmat crews and the DEP were responding because of the materials involved.

"We have some flammable chemicals in there. There are resins that are utilized in the pool-making process, there are some chemicals that we are still going to have to be sifting through with the property owner and employees on location," said Andrew Halter of Gloucester County Hazmat.

Chopper 6 was over the scene as heavy smoke billowed over the trees. Fire crews were using ladder trucks to try to put the fire out.

Extensive damage was done to what appears to be trailers on the property. A large piece of tubing was on fire as well.

Chopper 6 was overhead, where a large, dark plume of smoke could be seen.

Students at nearby Main Road School were evacuated and relocated to Reutter School, while Our Lady of Mercy Academy was evacuated to St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, Atlantic County.

"From what I understand it was a pretty bad chemical fire. So yeah, get my kid out of that school," said parent Matt Pacione.

Homes and businesses in the area were issued a voluntary evacuation order. That order has since been lifted.

Some residents say they've had concerns about the business and its operations. Officials say they've been out to the property before.

"We are familiar with the business. There are some issues that are in court right now," said Chief Matt DeCesari of the Franklin Twp. Police Dept.

"We've been out here previously for reported complaints. Some of these folks would make complaints to the NJDEP, which would initiate a response from our agency," Halter said.

Action News was not able to reach anyone at the company on Thursday.

No injuries have been reported.

An investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

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