on Thursday the fire got out of hand because small diameter hoses were initially used, which were unable to send enough water to the deck engulfed in flames. Union officials added that additional fire crews used 1-inch diameter hoses already laid down by those on the scene to respond and had to reckon with insufficient water volume and pressure.
Air pollution from the raging days-long fire is also a concern, especially for people who live in the Ironbound section of Newark, the closest neighborhood to the 272-acre port. Thomas said he was concerned over the possible increase in asthma cases because of pollution from the ship fire and other sources.
Larry Hajna, a spokesman with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection , told NJ Advance Media Friday that air monitoring was being performed around the clock. Gallagher Marine Systems, a Moorestown-based consultant hired by the vessel’s owner, has monitored the air and water quality near the vessel, Coast Guard officials said.