LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Ocean County Prosecutors Office today said a fire at a home in Lacey Township that claimed the lives of four people was accidental.
A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted by various law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. The investigation revealed that the fire originated on the porch on the structure’s west side, and evidence pointed to improperly discarded smoking material as the likely cause.
The devastating structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found a two-story structure engulfed in flames.
Amidst the chaos, Brenda Wright, 67, was rescued from the rear of the burning building. She was immediately transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries and is currently listed in stable condition.
There were four other victims inside the structure. Despite valiant efforts to rescue them, the roof of the building collapsed, forcing firefighters to evacuate.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer expressed his deep sorrow as he announced the heartbreaking news of losing four occupants in the fire. The victims were identified as Jennifer Wright, 39; Alaina Wright, 34; a 14-year-old female; and a four-month-old infant, all of whom resided in the residence. Their lives were lost in the incident, and the community mourns their untimely demise.
Prosecutor Billhimer officially ruled the cause of the fire as accidental.