Berkeley Blaze That Began In Microwave Renders House Uninhabitable, Police Chief Says

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Residents of a home in the Manitou Park section of the township had to be relocated after their home was significantly damage recently by a fire that began in a microwave, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Sergeant Joseph Robertazzi and Patrolman John John Houghkirk responded to a Third Avenue home at 11:22 on a report of an appliance fire.

When they arrived they saw smoke coming from the open front door of the house. All of the residents had evacuated the home before police arrived, DiMichele said.

The Manitou Park Fire Department assisted and put out the fire.

"A subsequent investigation revealed that the fire appeared to be accidental and was caused by a microwave catching on fire," DiMichele said. "There was a significant amount of damage to the kitchen from the fire and smoke. The house was deemed uninhabitable and the residents were relocated by the Red Cross."

Photo: Courtesy of Manitou Park Fire Company