A residential structure fire on Weeping Willow Court in the East Dover section of Toms River prompted a swift response from multiple fire companies Friday afternoon. Crews from East Dover Fire Company, Island Heights Volunteer Fire Co. 1, and Toms River Fire Company 2 arrived at the scene around 2:00 p.m. to find smoke and flames visible from the side of a two-story single-family home.
Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the flames, deploying a water fire extinguisher and a 1.75-inch hose line. Their efforts successfully contained the damage to the exterior of the residence.
While there were no reported injuries, the Toms River Building Department deemed the structure unsafe to occupy due to the loss of electric and gas utilities.
An investigation conducted by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspectors Herbst and LaVigne determined the fire was accidental, caused by a failure of energized electrical equipment on the side of the home.