TOMS RIVER-On Monday, May 21, 2019, the Berkeley Township Police and multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire at 66 Castle Harbor Dr. in the Holiday City section of Berkeley Township. Upon arrival emergency personnel encountered heavy fire coming from the rear of the structure and a possible entrapment inside. During a primary search a 93 year-old female was located and removed from the residence by firefighters. The female was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ocean County Medical Examiner has determined that the female died from smoke inhalation.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Arson Unit subsequently determined that the fire was caused by contents of a closet being too close to a light fixture.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to recognize and thank the Bayville Fire Department, Manitou Park Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department, and Toms River Fire Company #2 for extinguishing the fire.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to thank the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Arson Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department, Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their cooperation in this investigation.
