At approximately 02:04 pm this afternoon, East Dover Fire Company No. 4, Toms River Fire Company No. 2, and Island Heights Fire Department responded to a reported structure on Bergen Avenue. First arriving units confirmed a working structure fire in a 2 story residential structure. Fire was confirmed on the 2nd floor. The fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm bringing in additional resources.
Crews utilized multiple hand lines to extinguish the fire. The fire was quickly placed under control by the initial suppression team. The fire department remained on scene for approximately 1.5 hours conducting suppression and overhaul operations.
Crews assigned to search and rescue confirmed all occupants were able to evacuate. Occupants of the home indicated that 2 cats were missing, but it is unknown if they exited the home. The home was occupied when the fire occurred.
Additional Crews from Toms River Fire Company No.1, Silverton Fire Department and Pleasant Plains Fire Department were called to the scene. One crew from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 was stationed at the East Dover Fire House for a stand by assignment.
The home sustained heavy smoke, heat, and fire damage to both floors and the home is not safe for occupancy. The home has been posted as an unsafe structure by the Toms River Township Building Department.
There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for evaluation as a result of a fall at the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Inspector Britton of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention and The Toms River Police Department.