Fire Forces 2 People From Home In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — Two people were left without homeless on Wednesday after a fire left their home in Whiting uninhabitable, authorities said.

The fire on Conestoga Drive was reported at 5:13 p.m., Manchester Police Capt. Vincent Manco said. It has been ruled accidental by the Ocean County Fire Marshal's office, he said.

The residents had safely evacuated by the time police arrived, and they found smoke coming from the back of the house, Manco said.

Several fire companies responded and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries reported, he said. The home was deemed uninhabitable by the Manchester Township Building Department.

The American Red Cross said its Disaster Action Team responded and provided emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs.

In addition to Manchester police, Manchester Township EMS and the following fire departments responded and assisted: Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, Joint Base MDL Fire Department, Lakehurst Fire Department, Forked River Fire Company, New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company, and the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company.

The Manchester Township Fire Department provided coverage for Manchester Township during the incident.