Freehold Borough Family Loses Home to Fire
Firefighter injured battling blaze Friday before Christmas.
A Freehold Borough family’s home was destroyed by fire just days before Christmas. Approximately 45 firefighters responded to a call at 4 p.m. on Friday for a blaze at a two-story McLean Street residence, according to Freehold Borough Fire Chief Ryan Bailey.
“It was occupied by a husband, a wife and two kids,” Bailey said. “It's a shame. They lost everything.”
The family was at home when the fire began but had gotten out safely. The 200-year-old structure was heavily engulfed when firefighters arrived. Additions made to the house over the years created pockets for fire to potentially spread to, creating a challenge for firefighters, according to Bailey.
“At one point we evacuated and went into defensive mode,” he said.
The fire took approximately 45 minutes to place under control and two and a half hours to fully extinguish. The home had a partial roof collapse toward the back and holes in the floor as a result of the blaze. The home is uninhabitable, Bailey said.
One firefighter sustained a shoulder injury during the incident and was treated and released at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township, according to Bailey.
East Freehold Fire Company and Englishtown Fire Company each sent a fire truck to the scene. Adelphia Fire Company was on hand to serve as the rapid intervention team. Marlboro Fire Department was tapped to handle any Freehold Borough fire calls while volunteers were at the McLean Street blaze.
The Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Lee Lee Mountp
3:09 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
As I view these photo's it is devastating to see as that was my home as a child and a young adult. My sisters and I and my Mother (The Kavchak's) called that home for more than 30 years. My heart goes completely out to the family that resides there currently as I know those pictures are not easy for you to view either. I am sincerely greatful that all got out safely. I deeply appreciate all of the reasponder's / Fire Companies that came out to try and save the home. Please know that this home was not just a house...it was the original carpenter's shop in the late 1700's before Freehold was even called "Freehold" . That home as well as others have a greater significance on the heritage of this town than people know. As it was very difficult to see your childhood memories go up in flames, it was equally difficult to know a new thriving family lost theirs as well and my prayers go out to them. It is nice to see already the community is doing what they can to help this Family in their time of need. I am not surprised as that's what Freeholder's do! God Bless and Peace to all.
Glenn Cashion
10:49 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
My mother bought this home in 1943 and I called it home for the next twenty-five years. The entire Cashion family assembled there at the holidays. There are so many fond memories, some sad, but mostly very happy ones that remain with me. As I attend a funeral at St. Rose of Lima this afternoon, I will visit this family shrine, now turned to ashes.
My thoughts go to the family who fortunately survived the fire.
Glenn Cashion