WHITING, NJ – A Saturday afternoon fire forced the evacuation of multiple businesses after flames tore through Dickey’s Barbeque Pit on Lacey Road in Manchester Township, authorities said.
The incident happened a day before the busy Super Bowl Sunday rush.
Police said the blaze broke out around 2:25 p.m. at the restaurant located at 108 Lacey Road, when employees and customers reported smoke coming from the ceiling. Officers arriving on scene found heavy smoke and visible flames venting from the side of the building.
All occupants inside Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and the adjoining Whiting Bar & Spirits were evacuated immediately, along with several nearby businesses as a precaution. Firefighters arrived within minutes and launched a coordinated suppression effort that contained the fire before it spread to other structures.
Responding units included fire departments from Whiting, Manchester, Ridgeway, Lakehurst, New Egypt, Forked River, Bayville, Pinewald Pioneer, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. EMTs from Manchester Township’s Division of Emergency Services also assisted.
Support was provided by Jersey Central Power & Light, New Jersey Natural Gas, the Manchester Utilities Authority, and the township building inspector. Both Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and Whiting Bar & Spirits sustained significant damage and were deemed unsafe for occupancy. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Key details from the investigation:
- Fire reported at 2:25 p.m. on February 7 at 108 Lacey Road.
- Damage limited to two adjoining businesses; no injuries reported.
- Fire believed to be accidental, caused by electrical malfunction.
The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and Detective Thomas Chant of the Manchester Township Police Department are continuing the investigation. Police credited quick coordination among fire, EMS, and utility crews for preventing further loss.