Tragic Fire at Jersey Shore Leaves One Woman Dead and Two Critically Injured
New Jersey Weekend Weather Report
February 13, 2026
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February 13, 2026Tragic Fire at Jersey Shore Leaves One Woman Dead and Two Critically Injured
Tragic Fire at Jersey Shore Leaves One Woman Dead and Two Critically Injured
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, on February 13, 2026, at approximately 1:20 a.m., the Stafford Township Police and Fire Departments responded to a residential structure fire on Yeoman Road.
Responding emergency personnel discovered heavy fire conditions and reports of entrapment. Preliminary investigation revealed that two individuals were able to escape the fire.
The first individual was transported to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia where he is listed in stable condition. The second individual was transported to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and is likewise listed in stable condition.
A third individual, identified as Betty Matero, 92, was unable to escape the fire and succumbed to her injuries.
The Ocean County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that she died from smoke inhalation.
According to investigators, an examination showed that the fire started inside an outdoor storage container on the southeast outside wall.
Investigators concluded that the incident was unintentional and most likely caused by a lithium-ion battery malfunction.
