BEACHWOOD, N.J. — A fast-moving overnight fire destroyed a home and ignited three vehicles early Wednesday on Capstan Avenue, prompting a multi-department response and forcing firefighters to halt interior operations after a structural collapse.
The Beachwood and Pine Beach Fire Departments were dispatched at approximately 12:30 a.m. to the 700 block of Capstan Avenue for a reported structure fire. Additional assistance came from fire units in Manitou Park, Pinewald and Bayville. Upon arrival, responders found the home fully involved, with flames consuming the structure and spreading to three vehicles in the driveway. Downed power lines were reported across the roadway.
Key Points
- Fire began around 12:30 a.m. on Capstan Avenue, heavily damaging a home and three vehicles.
- Firefighters ceased interior operations after second floor collapse; no resident injuries reported.
- Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and Beachwood Police are investigating the cause.
Crews initiated an aggressive attack on the fire, but interior suppression operations were suspended for safety reasons when the second floor collapsed. Despite the structural danger, the blaze was brought under control in roughly one hour, with firefighters remaining on scene until 5:00 a.m. A nearby home also sustained damage from the heat of the fire.
There were no injuries reported among the residents of the destroyed home, authorities confirmed. While the main structure suffered extensive damage, containment efforts prevented further spread to surrounding properties.
Mutual aid support came from the Toms River Fire Department Company #2, which provided coverage for the Beachwood area during the operation. Utility crews from Jersey Central Power & Light and New Jersey Natural Gas responded to assist with hazards caused by the fire and downed lines.
Investigation underway into fire’s origin
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Beachwood Police Department. No initial findings have been released, and officials have not yet confirmed whether the fire was accidental or suspicious in nature.
The incident is the latest in a string of residential fires in the region this spring, placing renewed focus on fire safety and response coordination among area departments.
Flames, vehicles and collapse — early morning fire guts Beachwood home in dramatic blaze.