On Friday morning, Toms River Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, along with East Dover Fire Company, were dispatched at approximately 10:26 AM to a reported residential structure fire on Madison Avenue in downtown Toms River. The fire was quickly escalated to a 2nd Alarm, prompting a response from additional fire companies and mutual aid teams across the township.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they encountered heavy smoke and flames emanating from the side and rear of a two-story, single-family home. Multiple handlines were deployed by the crews to contain and extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, the residence sustained significant smoke, fire, and water damage throughout. The Toms River Building Department later deemed the structure unsafe for occupancy.
At the time of the fire, the homeowner and her pet dog were inside the home. Fortunately, they were alerted by a functioning smoke detector, which allowed them to safely exit the premises. No injuries to civilians, pets, or first responders were reported.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, resulting from the failure of energized electrical equipment located in the sunroom on the first floor, according to a joint investigation led by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspector William Janora.
GREAT JOB DONE BY ALL