Caffrey's Massive Fire Is Still Under Investigation: Lacey Chief

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - The cause of the fire that severely damaged Caffrey’s Tavern is under investigation by multiple agencies, Lacey Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.

Authorities received a number of 911 calls at 8:54 a.m. on Wednesday morning reporting heavy smoke coming from the roof of the restaurant at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River, the chief said.

When police arrived, they saw smoke coming from the kitchen area of the tavern and a large amount of flames on the roof. Police made sure everyone was evacuated from the restaurant.

The Forked River, Lanoka Harbor and Bamber Lake Fire companies responded to the first alarm. Shortly after, the Forked River Fire Department requested a second alarm, which activated a number of fire companies in Ocean County, the chief said.

Route 9 was closed in both directions between Lakeside Drive South and Parker’s Point Boulevard as the fire progressed. Lacey Township emergency medical services and members of the Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad responded, along with a firefighter rehabilitation unit from Stafford Township, DiBella said.

The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, the state Fire Marshal’s Office, the Lacey Township detective bureau, the Ocean County Sheriff's Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office responded and assisted in the investigation, the chief said.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Department and the state Department of Transportation maintained traffic control. Route 9 was closed soon after the fire broke out and was reopened at 1:45 p.m., DiBella said.

"I would like to give a special thanks to the Wawa, located across the street from Caffrey's Tavern, for all of their support during the fire," the chief said.

Photos: Courtesy of Elle Regan