Police Requesting Help to Identify Vehicle and Driver in Ocean County
June 30, 2024Rebuilding Hope: Assisting Toms River Family After Fire
July 1, 2024
Devastating Fire Leaves 6 Injured and 10 Homeless in Toms River
According to Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention early this morning, at approximately 3:20 AM, the Silverton Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Mariners Cove townhome complex.
Upon arrival, initial fire units discovered two townhome units fully involved in flames, with fire spreading to adjacent units.
An initial report indicated that an adult male occupant was unaccounted for and possibly trapped inside. First-arriving fire crews made attempts to search for the missing occupant but were forced to retreat due to the fire's severity. Fortunately, the unaccounted-for occupant was later found safely outside, unharmed.
The fire resulted in two civilian injuries: one adult and one juvenile who suffered burns and smoke inhalation. Both were transported to the hospital for medical evaluation. Additionally, three firefighters sustained minor injuries. Two firefighters with minor burns were treated at the hospital and subsequently released.
Fire units from Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department, East Dover Fire Company, Toms River Fire Company #1 and #2, Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Company, and Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company responded to assist with the firefighting efforts.
Due to the excellent work and coordination of all the responding fire departments, the fire was brought under control quickly, limiting the extent of the damage. Approximately 10 residents have been displaced by the fire. The Toms River Building Department has posted a total of six damaged units as unsafe, with two units severely damaged by the fire.
This fire is currently under investigation by Inspectors Christian DeEsposito and William Herbst of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Preliminary findings suggest that the cause of the fire is accidental, resulting from the failure of energized electrical equipment within the main fire unit.
The fire investigation and scene examination were conducted jointly by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office – Major Crimes Arson Squad, and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU).
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention commends all of the firefighter and emergency personnel who responded to this incident for their swift and effective response, which undeniably prevented further damage.
For further information or questions, please contact the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.
