MANCHESTER, NJ – A fast-moving blaze tore through a home on California Drive Friday evening, engulfing a garage and vehicle in flames before firefighters from across Ocean County brought it under control.
At approximately 5:54 p.m., Manchester Township Police officers arrived at 1 California Drive in the Cedar Glen Lakes community to find the garage side of the residence fully ablaze, with flames consuming a vehicle in the driveway. Officers quickly confirmed that the house was unoccupied and that all three residents had escaped without injury.
Authorities evacuated nearby homes as a precaution while multiple volunteer fire departments converged on the scene to contain the blaze. Fire crews were able to stop the flames before they spread to additional homes or vehicles.
Firefighters from across Ocean County respond
Departments from Whiting, Manchester, Ridgeway, Joint Base, Lakehurst, New Egypt, Forked River, Bayville, Pinewald Pioneer, and Lacey all assisted in the effort, along with Manchester EMS, the township’s Office of Emergency Management, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the American Red Cross.
The Manchester Police Department confirmed that the cause of the house fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office and the department’s Investigations Bureau.
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family, providing temporary housing and essential support as recovery efforts continue.
- Fire broke out Friday evening at 1 California Drive in Cedar Glen Lakes
- All three residents escaped unharmed; nearby homes were evacuated
- Cause of the blaze remains under investigation
Investigators seek cause of Manchester home blaze