Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File photo — Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File Photo

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A structure fire on Signal Street has claimed the life of a 75-year-old man, prompting an investigation by local and state authorities, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Saturday.

On January 3, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Lacey Township police and fire departments responded to a reported fire at a residential property. First responders discovered the homeowner, Edward Teixeira, outside the structure, suffering from severe burns. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River but succumbed to his injuries on January 4.

Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire originated at the front exterior entrance on the south side of the home.

While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, officials say that accidental causes cannot be ruled out at this time. Authorities did not indicate if additional factors are being investigated.

The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze.

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