STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Fire ripped through a home in the Village Harbor lagoon front community on Saturday. Firefighters from Stafford Township Fire Department battled the blaze which started around 5:48 p.m.
“On Saturday, March 27, 2021 at approximately 5:48 PM, the Stafford Township Fire Company was dispatched to the area of Clyde Lane in the Village Harbor section of Manahawkin for a report of a structure fire,” the Stafford Fire Department reported. “While responding Chief O’Neill upgraded the assignment to a second alarm due to the column of smoke that was visible.”
The call was made to request support from the Barnegat Fire Company and the Forked River FAST team.
“Upon arrival, the residence was fully involved in flames and its occupants and neighbors were able to safely evacuate,” the department said.
The adjacent homes were found to have damage due to the radiant heat. Firefighters were able to cool the melted siding on the exposed homes and confirmed that there was no fire inside with water.
Two additional engines from Eagleswood Fire Company and Parkertown Fire Company were requested for additional support.
Three hours later, the fire was contained.
“The fire was extinguished and placed under control,” the department said. “All units operated on scene for approximately 3 hours.”
Stafford EMS provided rehab for firefighters during the fire, alongside Stafford Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary.
The fire is under investigation by the Stafford Township Bureau of Fire Prevention and The Ocean County Fire Marshall.
“Throughout the duration of the incident Ship Bottom Fire Company and Tuckerton Fire Company stood by in our township to provide fire protection while Stafford units were committed to the incident,” the department said.