Secaucus , NJ – Sprinkler system puts out fire at apartment started by 12-year-old boy

A 12-year-old Secaucus boy suffered minor burns and he was charged after police say he set fire to the bathroom of his family’s apartment, Secaucus officials said.

Secaucus firefighters responded to 120 Park Plaza Dr., a new apartment complex near the Walmart and Sam’s Club shopping area, at 10:30 p.m. on June 26, Secaucus police Capt. Dennis Miller said.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had been extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system, Miller said. The apartment suffered severe water damage and three apartments on the floor below also suffered water damage, Miller said.

An investigation, conducted with the assistance of the Hudson County Regional Fire Task Force, revealed that the fire was set on purpose, Miller said.

The boy, whose name was withheld because he is a minor, was charged on July 1 with arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage.