Couple escapes midnight inferno in Whiting but cats perish in fire sparked by electrical malfunction
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A late-night fire tore through a single-family home in the Whiting section of Manchester Township on Sunday, destroying the residence and killing two family pets — but sparing the lives of the sleeping couple inside, thanks to a neighbor’s quick action.
The blaze erupted around 10:20 p.m. at 5 Darien Court, where officers arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Police said Wilfredo Ramos and Ada Meacham were asleep in their bedroom when they were jolted awake by the sound of fire alarms — and a neighbor banging on their windows after spotting flames from across the cul-de-sac.
The couple was able to escape unharmed. No injuries or smoke inhalation were reported. Tragically, the residents’ two cats died in the fire.
Emergency crews from more than 10 fire departments across Ocean County and surrounding areas responded to the scene. The fire prompted a multi-agency response that included volunteer and municipal fire departments, military base fire crews, and emergency medical teams.
Responding departments included Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Fire Department, Ridgeway Fire Department, United States Air Force Fire Department, New Egypt Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department, Bayville Fire Company, Lakehurst Fire Department, Forked River Fire Department, and McGuire-Dix Joint Base Fire Department.
Emergency medical personnel from Manchester Township and South Toms River also assisted.
According to investigators, the fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction. The investigation is being led by Manchester Police Patrolman Gainey and Detective Steffen, along with Ocean County Fire Marshal Zachary Sharp.
—
Key Points
- Fire destroyed home in Manchester’s Whiting section Sunday night; no injuries reported
- Couple escaped after alarms and neighbor’s warning; two cats died in blaze
- Fire believed to be accidental due to electrical malfunction; multi-agency response involved