An initial report of a fire at Matheny Medical and Educational Center on June 14, 2016, turned out to be a Freon leak.
PEAPACK-GLADSTONE -- Students and patients were evacuated from the Matheny Medical and Educational Center on Tuesday morning when a smoke condition was reported in the main building, according to a news release from Police Chief Gregory J. Skinner.
At 8:59 a.m., the Peapack-Gladstone police, fire department, as well as first aid and rescue squad, were called to the special education school located on Highland Avenue for a report of a fire, according to the release.
Responding personnel learned that a smoke condition was in the "Green Zone," located in the main building. An investigation revealed that the smoke condition was caused by a Freon leak, it was stated in the release.
The Freon system was shut down, the air conditions were monitored and the building was ventilated until it was determined that it was safe for students and patients to return to the building, police reported.
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Residents and all activities in the "Green Zone" were relocated until an HVAC company fixed the leak. The case of the leak has not yet been determined, it was stated in the release.
The Far Hills Police, Peapack and Gladstone Fire and Rescue, Far Hills-Bedminster Fire, Pottersville Fire, Bernardsville Fire, Chester Fire, Somerset County Office of Emergency Management Fire Coordinators and Somerset County Hazmat Chief all responded to the scene.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.