MANAHAWKIN, NJ – A structure fire in the Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin on Thursday, at around 6:30 pm, required a coordinated response from several fire departments and emergency services. Upon arrival, first responders found a heavy fire on the rear deck of the residence, which had extended into the house itself.
Firefighters from Stafford Township, Barnegat, Forked River, Waretown, Eagleswood, and Lanoka Harbor fire departments collaborated in tackling the blaze. An aggressive interior attack was launched, eventually bringing the fire under control. All units operated on the scene for approximately three hours while Stafford EMS provided rehabilitation support to the crews.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Stafford Township Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Stafford Police Department. Throughout the duration of the incident, fire companies from Eagleswood and Lanoka Harbor stood by to provide fire protection while Stafford units were committed to the scene.
The collaborative effort of multiple agencies, including Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company Station 11, Forked River Fire Department, Waretown Volunteer Fire Company, Stafford Township Emergency Medical Services, Eagleswood Volunteer Fire Company Station 52, Lanoka Harbor Vol. Fire Co. #1, Stafford Township Police Department, Stafford Township Office of Fire Prevention, and Ocean County Sheriff Communications, played a crucial role in managing the fire incident effectively. The community expresses its gratitude to all the mutual-aid agencies for their assistance throughout the incident.