Auditorium fire cancels Hunterdon Central classes, homecoming festival

RARITAN TOWNSHIP — Friday was an unexpected day off for students at Hunterdon Central High School following a fire in the school's auditorium.

The fire was reported around 8:55 p.m. on Thursday night and was contained to the auditorium, according a message on the school's website. Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III said the fire alarm was activated after smoke and flames were seen coming from a storage closet. It was brought under control quickly and put out by several fire companies.

Kearns said damage to the auditorium was "minimal" but electrical power was disconnected from the building. He said there was no sign of foul play and the fire appeared to be accidental.

The fire is under investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Arson Task Force, Raritan Township Police Department and Raritan Township Fire Marshal.

The fire led to the cancellation of Friday afternoon's Homecoming Fest. The homecoming game on Stewart Field will go on as scheduled at 7 p.m. but parking will be restricted on the school's 9/10 campus.

The Flemington Fire Department, Raritan Township Fire Department, Lebanon Borough Volunteer Fire Company and the Readington Volunteer Fire Company all responded to the fire. Kearns said no injuries were reported to any fire fighters or anyone at the school.

More than 3,000 students from Delaware Township, East Amwell Township, Flemington Borough, Raritan Township and Readington Township attend the school on Route 31.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.