JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A fire destroyed the Lake Hopatcong William H. Flatt Jr. American Legion Post 245 building in Jefferson Township Friday morning, according to Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen.
Fire crews responded to the flames at the legion, located along Espanong Road, around 11:00 a.m. Friday.
A worker preparing food for an event Friday evening at the American Legion Post 245 watched in horror as the fryer caught fire and the fire quickly spread of control, Daily Record reports citing Wilsusen.
The fire suppression equipment apparently failed to stop the rapidly spreading flames and the worker tried to knock back the blaze with a fire extinguisher to no avail, Wilsusen told the Daily Record.
“Sad day for our community. American Legion Post #245 in Lake Hopatcong succumbed to fire today. Total loss to the building. So many memories of the Legion,” Wilsusen said.
No injuries were reported, the mayor said.
“Thank you to all our firemen who tried their hardest to save the building. Thank you to everyone who came out to support and especially to Junior at Jefferson Market for providing food & water,” Wilsusen said.
