Christmas Day House Fire In Ocean Acres Appears To Be Accidental, Police Say

MANAHAWKIN, NJ - No one was injured in a Christmas Day blaze on Atlantic Avenue in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township, Lt. James R. Vaughn said.

Police responded at 11:19 p.m. on Dec. 25 to find the home engulfed in flames and heavy smoke conditions. The homeowner burned his hand as he tried to extinguish the fire with a garden house, Vaugn said.

The family was able to make it out of the house safely and stayed with a neighbor for the night, he said.

Upon police arrival, the residence was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. One minor burn injury was reported to the homeowner's hand as he attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Otherwise, the family made it out safely and was unharmed. They stayed with a neighbor for the rest of the night.

The origin of the fire appears to be accidental, but is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office.

Fire companies from Stafford, Barnegat, Lacey, West Creek and New Gretna all responded. Members of the Stafford Township First Aid Squad also responded, Vaughn said.

Image: Patch file photo.