by Allan Dean

HIGHLANDS, NJ — One resident was hospitalized Tuesday and several others were homeless as a result of a structure fire at 30 Highway 36 in Highlands next to the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge. The fire closed traffic in both direction on the highway as firefighters battled the blaze.

The injured man jumped from the window of his apartment onto a second story roof as fire engulfed the third floor of the multi family building. The man was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune after being treated on scene by emergency workers for head injuries and lacerations. The man, who was not identified, also complained of back pain.

The fire started on the third floor according to one resident of the building. Jack Lenahan said he was in his second floor apartment watching television when he heard smoke alarms and a neighbor yelling to "get out of the building." Lenahan, said he used a fire extinquisher to try to battle the blaze which was rolling across the ceiling on the second floor before the smoke forced him to evacuate. He was among at least 4 people in the building that escaped the fire. Lenahan said he believes a space heater on the third floor was to blame for the blaze. Fire officials could not be reached for comment on the cause of the fire.

Peggy O'Neill, a 16-year resident of the building was downtown when the fire occurred and was visibly shaken when she returned to see the fire trucks at her home. Her room-mate in the first floor apartment, Ray Downs, was at home and said he "heard banging and people screaming to get out."

Next door neighbor Nick Evangelista, owner of Sandy Hook Bed and Breakfast, 36 Highway 36 said he was looking out his kitchen window when he saw flames engulf a doorway entrance to the third floor on the side of the building around 3:00 p.m. He called the fire department and was screaming, "It is starting to get out of control" He provided temporary shelter to the residents while firefighters were battling the blaze.

Rev. Martin McGrail, Highlands Police Department Chaplain who was on scene arranged for residents to go to New Life Christian Church And World Outreach Center, Bay Avenue where the church Emergency Response team provided food and conselling to the fire victims. Sister Jessica Alinsub prepared soup and other food for them and Caroline Eyerman coordinated with the Red Cross to provide transportation and temporary housing for the residents. Four of the residents were relocated to the Leonardo Motel, while others found a place to stay with family in the area.

Pastor McGrail said, "The hard part is coming today, and in the next days, to find permanent housing." The Highlands Housing Authority did not have any units available, McGrail said. "Our team is working to find a more permanent solution for the people." If anyone has room available or an apartment to rent for the victims, Pastor McGrail can be reached at cometonewlife@aol.com or by phone at the church at 732 872-7797.

McGrail said, "The police were very compassionate with the needs of the people. Patrolman Robert Burton came down to the church to see the people and Police Chief Joseph Blewett followed-up with phone calls to the church. That is what I call community policing."

The Red Cross provided $195 each for three days of housing at the motel and will increase that amount for clothing and other needs. Each resident also received debit cards of $75 for two weeks worth of food.

Firefighters from Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright and Middletown knocked down the fire on the third floor and used aerial ladder trucks to reach the roof and cut holes to look for more fire in the rafters. The heat was great enough to warp the vinal siding on a neighboring house.

Emergency first aid squads from Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright and Middletown responded to the call. Three firefighters suffered minor cuts and were treated on the scene.

Jack Lenahan was concerned about his 5 month old black kitten, named Boo, and was certain that the animal had died from the smoke. He was very happy to find the uninjured kitten in his apartment after firefighters put out the fire.