Members of the Lakewood Fire Department Hazmat Team were among numerous emergency agencies that responded Saturday to a large fire at Sun Retreat RV Park in Barnegat that ultimately destroyed five recreational vehicles and threatened nearby wooded areas.
The incident began at approximately 11:19 a.m. when the Barnegat Fire Company was dispatched for a reported RV fire. While firefighters were en route, dispatchers advised that the situation had escalated, with two RVs actively burning. Upon arrival, fire officials confirmed multiple RVs involved and quickly requested additional mutual aid resources due to the risk of rapid fire spread throughout the campground.
As the fire grew, additional fire departments, EMS units, tanker companies, and specialized teams were called to the scene, including the Lakewood Hazmat Team and the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team. The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service also responded and played a key role in preventing the flames from spreading into surrounding wooded areas through suppression operations and backfiring techniques.
Firefighters operated for approximately three hours before bringing the incident under control. Despite the loss of five RVs, crews successfully prevented the fire from extending to additional vehicles and nearby woodland.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.
