A roof fire at the William J. Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City early yesterday evening has caused a temporary halt on roof construction, an official said today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“At 5 p.m. yesterday, a small fire occurred on the roof of the Brennan Court House, near a vent. The fire occurred due to roofing work, a piece of wood caught fire (this was a very old piece of wood, in place since the original construction of the building),” county spokesman Mark Cygan said following an inquiry from HCV.
“We have stopped all roofing work for the time being, though other work on the project will continue. This morning the County Executive’s office held a meeting with involved parties, including the contractor, engineer, architect, and Hudson County’s Fire Marshal. Today we are developing a plan for moving forward that will be reviewed and approved by all parties.”
He further explained that the plan will include switching to fire-treated lumber, using thermal imaging before, during, and after procedures, and instituting a 24-hour fire watch after wielding work is completed.
Cygan also noted that the building did not sustain any damage and county employees were able to return to their offices within the courthouse today.
County Executive Craig Guy added over the phone that this is the second construction-related fire at the site in the past week, therefore a site review by professionals and a new approach was deemed necessary.
