Howell Home Fire On Lanes Pond Road Still Under Probe: Officials

HOWELL, NJ - A structure fire at a massive five-bedroom residence in Howell is still under investigation, fire officials said.

The fire, which occurred at 363 Lanes Pond Road on Jan. 23, prompted a box alarm, which triggered resources from other township agencies, the Southard Fire Department said in a statement Sunday night.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Howell Fire Bureau, the fire department said.

The township posted about its own investigation on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, citing alleged "illegal uses and over-occupancy” at the site.

"We are aware of the events that occurred at 363 Lanes Pond Road in Howell (Monday) night,” Howell Township said in a statement last week. “Based on investigations that have taken place throughout the night, we anticipate that Code Enforcement will be issuing numerous summonses to the property owner," the township said on its Facebook site.”

No injuries were reported by the Southard Fire Department in the statement. The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature, Howell Detective Sgt. Peter Kuppler in a news release last week.

“Illegal uses. Over-crowded residential properties. Over-occupancy of rentals. Changes of use without approvals. Construction without necessary permits,” the municipality continued. “The Township has zero tolerance for these issues.”

Those who witness concerning activities in the township are urged to contact Code Enforcement at (732) 938-4500.

“If adequate evidence is presented, then Code Enforcement will be able to take action,” the township said. “But it cannot act on hearsay. We need to work together as a community.”

Agencies credited for assistance during the blaze include:

• Squankum Fire Company #1
• Adelphia Fire Company
• Ramtown Fire Company
• Freewood Acres Fire Company No. 1
• Farmingdale Fire Department
• Glendola Fire Company
• Jackson Twp Vol Fire Co #1 - Station 55
• Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #1
• Howell Police EMS
• Howell Township Police Department
• Herbertsville Fire Company No. 1
• Freehold Township Ind. Fire Company #1

“We thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance during this extended operation including the companies that came in to provide coverage,” the fire department said in a statement.