SEASIDE PARK, N.J. – The Seaside Park home of former Toms River Business Administrator Lou Amoruso was destroyed in a three-alarm fire on New Year’s Eve, authorities confirmed. The late-night blaze on K Street in Seaside Park gutted one residence and damaged another before firefighters brought it under control early Friday morning.
The fire was reported shortly before midnight, drawing a large mutual aid response from departments across the county. When crews arrived, they found heavy flames consuming the structure and threatening neighboring homes. Firefighters battled the blaze in cold and windy conditions, establishing defensive lines to prevent the fire from spreading.
Officials said all occupants safely evacuated the home prior to the fire department’s arrival. The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze.
“Jeannette and I thank the various Fire Departments, PD and other first responders who came to our aid last night. We’re all fine. The house is not,” Amoruso said. “We’ve got a lot to handle in the coming days, so if we don’t respond to texts, messages and phone calls immediately you know why. We greatly appreciate our neighbors, friends and family for the outpouring of compassion and support. Things are replaceable, people are not.”
Property records show the home belongs to Amoruso, who was fired from his position as Toms River’s business administrator in January 2024 by Mayor Daniel Rodrick. Amoruso had previously faced controversy after being accused of making anti-gay remarks toward his predecessor, former Business Administrator Don Guardian.
Property records also show Amoruso owns other homes in Seaside Park.
Guardian, who served from 2017 until 2020, filed a lawsuit against Toms River Township alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Court filings cited instances in which Amoruso and former Mayor Maurice Hill allegedly used homophobic slurs during workplace disputes.
In October 2025, Toms River officials approved a $690,000 settlement to resolve the case through the township’s Joint Insurance Fund. Mayor Rodrick, who was not named in the lawsuit, issued a public apology to Guardian, stating that “it was clear he had been discriminated against.”
Fire officials said crews remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and checking for hot spots. No injuries were reported.
