CRANBURY, N.J. — Lightning struck the roof of the Cranbury Public Library on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 12, starting a fire that drew a two-alarm response. Firefighters contained the blaze before it spread into the building. No injuries were reported, Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company Chief Charlie Smith told Daily Voice.
The fire damaged part of the roof, and water reached a small section of the library floor. Crews covered bookcases and moved computers and other equipment to protect them from further damage. Neighboring fire departments and emergency medical crews assisted in the response, Smith said.
Repairs to portions of the roof were scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13. The library’s Friday operating hours could not be confirmed.
Cranbury Is Also Dealing With a $26 Million Theft
The library fire came less than a week after Cranbury officials disclosed that approximately $26 million set aside for affordable housing had been stolen in a wire transfer scheme. The transfer occurred on Sept. 28, and Mayor Lisa Knierim announced the theft on Nov. 6.
Investigators have frozen nearly $17.3 million in assets tied to the theft, leaving about $8.7 million outside the announced freeze. Cranbury police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office are leading the investigation with help from other local, state and federal authorities.
Sources: Daily Voice
By NJ RADAR Team