TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A fire that broke out early Saturday morning in the garage of a two-story home on Powder Horn Road was caused by the spontaneous combustion of oil-soaked rags, officials confirmed.
The Pleasant Plains Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:17 a.m. on March 29 after a neighbor noticed smoke coming from the residence. Fire crews from Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, East Dover Fire Company, and Whitesville Fire Company also assisted.
Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire inside the garage of a home that was unoccupied and under renovation. Crews worked for about two hours to extinguish the flames, check for fire extension, and ventilate the structure. No injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported.
The Toms River Township Building Department later posted the building due to fire-related damage and disconnected utilities.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental, the result of spontaneous ignition from oil-soaked rags left in a debris pile inside the garage. The rags were likely used during recent floor refinishing work completed less than 48 hours before the incident.
Fire officials cautioned that oil-soaked rags can ignite if improperly stored, due to heat generated from the oxidation of oils. Safe disposal practices include drying rags flat in a well-ventilated area or storing them in a sealed, approved metal container.
Key Points
- Fire on Powder Horn Road in Toms River began inside garage of unoccupied home under renovation.
- Cause ruled accidental: spontaneous combustion of oil-soaked rags used during floor refinishing.
- No injuries reported; fire crews operated for approximately two hours.
Toms River fire sparked by oil-soaked rags underscores hidden risk of home renovations.
