Fatal South Toms River Fire Started in Basement; Victim Identified

A fire that claimed the life of a 35-year-old South Toms River woman on Monday night started in the basement of the home, investigators have determined.

The body of the victim, Dianna Norwood, who lived in the home that burnt down at 95 S. Main Street, was found in the basement, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday by Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and South Toms River Chief of Police Andy Izatt.

An autopsy performed Tuesday revealed that Norwood died from smoke inhalation, the statement said.

Investigators determined that the fire was caused by the failure of energized electrical equipment in the basement area of the residence. It has been ruled accidental, the statement said.

In addition to the woman who died, six firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze. All have been released from Community Medical Center except one who was admitted and is now in stable condition there. The firefighter who was admitted has been identified as Lieutenant Joseph Jubert of the Manitou Park fire company. A message on the department's Facebook page said friends were hopeful Jubert would be released by Wednesday after some tests had been run.

The Manitou Park Fire Company, Bayville Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company and Toms River Fire Company No. 2 all responded to fight the fire.

Anyone with information regarding the matter is asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit or the South Toms River Police Department.