02/06/2026
π¨οΈ Update on the Whiting Gardens incident β extreme cold strikes again.
Early Feb 3, 2026, a dry pipe sprinkler system at Whiting Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Manchester Twp, NJ, failed when water entered the pipes (normally air-filled to prevent freezing), froze due to the bitter temps, and caused a burst β leading to water leakage from ceilings and deactivation of parts of the fire suppression/electrical systems in the South Wing.
No fire, no public threat, but safety first: ~59 residents were safely evacuated/relocated (46 to partner facilities, 13 within the building) in a massive, coordinated effort.
Huge thanks to the heroes from:
Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33., Manchester Police/OEM/Building/Fire Inspectors, Ocean County agencies, County Sheriff 911 Ocean County EMS Coordinators NJ EMS Task Force (4 MABs + resources), Point Boro EMS, Neptune/Shark River Hills, Toms River Police Department, Jackson, Waretown, Berkeley Township EMS - IAEP Local 55, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS, Red Cross, CERT teams, and so many more squads from across counties.
Your seamless teamwork protected our vulnerable neighbors in freezing conditions. True NJ strength πͺβ€οΈ