Family Of 5, Pets Escape Fire That Destroys Toms River Home

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A family of five and their pets escaped injury on Friday when a two-alarm fire broke out at their Toms River home, fire officials said.

The fire on Jane Court was discovered about 7:30 p.m. by the family, who saw flames and smoke at the back of the house through a window, said Matthew Janora, chief inspector for the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.

As soon as they saw the fire, the family and pets evacuated and called 911, Janora said. There were no injuries to the family, the pets or first responders, he said.

Firefighters from Toms River River Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2 along with East Dover Fire Company responded to the fire in the two-story home, he said. It was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm fire, bringing in the remaining township fire companies and additional mutual aid to the scene.

Firefighters discovered heavy smoke and fire emanating from the rear and roof of the home and crews used multiple handlines to extinguish the fire, Janora said.

The home was declared unsafe to occupy due to the significant smoke, fire and water damage, he said.

The fire investigation and scene examination were conducted by Toms River Fire Inspector William Herbst along with the Toms River Police Department and the preliminary determination is the fire appears to be accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials in a garbage can at the back of the house, Janora said.