TOMS RIVER-A fire that destroyed or damaged four homes in the Silverton section of Toms River on Friday night claimed the life of a mother of three children. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, Toms River Township Police and multiple fire departments responded to a residence in the Silverton section of Toms River, for a report of a structure fire.
Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the structure was fully engulfed with the fire spreading into the four surrounding residences. Emergency service personnel determined that the structure was occupied by two adults and three children at the time of the fire,” Billhimer said. “It was further determined that a male and three children evacuated the residence, however one female remained inside. Rescue efforts were attempted by police and fire personnel
but were unsuccessful. After the fire was extinguished, a female body was discovered inside the residence.”
A Toms River Township Police Officer was transported to Community Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation.
“This is an ongoing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sherriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. We are not releasing the name of the deceased until proper notifications are made. This is a sad day for everyone involved,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
TRFD Incident # 20-0170 2/7/2020 2251 hours 71 15th Street. Photo Credit Chris Aldrich
TRFD Incident # 20-0170 2/7/2020 2251 hours 71 15th Street.
TRFD Incident # 20-0170 2/7/2020 2251 hours 71 15th Street. Photo Credit Chief Paul Mcguinley