PHOTOS: Barnegat Residential Fire Reported Thursday

BARNEGAT, NJ - A Barnegat family was evacuated from their home Thursday morning following a structure fire, authorities said.

The blaze was reported shortly before noon in the Settlers Landing section of the township, with fire crews from Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Station 47 and 11 dispatched to the scene, the fire department said in a statement.

Though fire crews initially reported a smoke condition coming from the garage, it was later determined that the blaze stemmed from a fire in the furnace, the department said.

“Ladder 1115’s crew assessed the furnace as well as insured the fire was out, while Rescue Engine 1103‘s crew checked for extension into the house as well as vented with a positive pressure fan,” the department said.

“Thankfully due to Police and Fires quick response, no further damage occurred, and the residents and pets were able to return to their home.”