A structure fire at a Manchester Township apartment complex forced the evacuation of eight units Thursday morning and caused extensive damage to multiple apartments, authorities said.
Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 10:31 a.m. to 371 Gable Circle in the Suncrest Village Apartment Complex after receiving a report of a fire. When officers arrived, they observed flames and heavy smoke coming from a second-floor apartment and the attic area of the building.
Officers confirmed that no residents were inside the fully involved unit and immediately began evacuating surrounding apartments. All eight apartments in the building were safely evacuated.
Firefighters, battling high winds, were able to bring the blaze under control before it spread to nearby buildings or a wooded area surrounding the complex. Despite the quick response, officials said the fire caused extensive damage to several apartments.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Manchester Career Fire Department, Lakehurst, Ridgeway, Manchester, Whiting, Pleasant Plains, and Joint Base fire departments. The American Red Cross also responded to assist residents who were displaced.
Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services were on scene, and one resident was treated for smoke inhalation but declined further medical care.
Traffic within the apartment complex was impacted for approximately two hours as crews worked to control the fire and ensure the safety of residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental.
The investigation is being conducted by the Manchester Township Police Department Investigations Bureau, along with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
