MANCHESTER, NJ – One person was killed in a residential structure fire in Cedar Glen West in Manchester on Sunday. Heavy smoke and flames prevented police and firefighter from attempting a rescue
At approximately 6:51 pm on Sunday, the Manchester Police Department received a call for a structure fire on Heron Street in Cedar Glen West.
The home was completely engulfed in flames when patrol officers arrived.
A family member told officers upon arrival that another member of the family was still inside the burning home. Residents of the adjacent quadplex and surrounding buildings were quickly evacuated. When officers tried to enter the residence, they were met with heavy smoke and heat, and were unable to enter to rescue the resident.
As a result of trying to get inside of the home, three police officers and the reporting family member were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Manchester, Whiting, Ridgeway, Joint Base, Lakehurst, Toms River, and Cassville Fire Departments extinguished the fire. Manchester Emergency Medical Service assessed residents and officers for smoke inhalation.
The fire is being investigated by Detective Adam Emmons, Detective John Doran from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal.