Firefighters responded to a structure fire Tuesday afternoon on Seaton Road in Toms River, where heavy smoke and flames were reported coming from a single-story ranch-style residence.
Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 (Stations 25 and 26) and East Dover Fire Company (Station 28) were dispatched to the scene around 2:20 p.m. First-arriving crews found the bulk of the fire in the home’s attached garage and immediately began fire suppression efforts using a 1¾-inch handline.
All residents and pets had evacuated safely prior to firefighters’ arrival. No injuries were reported.
Due to the intensity of the fire, a second alarm was requested, prompting a response from additional Toms River fire companies and mutual aid departments. Overhaul operations were completed to confirm full extinguishment of the fire.
Brick Township EMS was also called in to set up a firefighter rehabilitation area, providing cooling and medical evaluation amid high heat conditions.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating the cause of the fire. Inspector LaVigne is leading the investigation, and early findings suggest the fire was accidental.