Manchester garage fire made worse by burning oxygen tanks, fire department says — Police-Light-Crime-Scene-with-ambulance-and-fire-department-truck-response.-File-Photo

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – A fast-moving blaze ripped through a garage and into a home Friday evening in the Cedar Glen Lakes section of Manchester Township, sending multiple fire companies racing to the scene as oxygen tanks fueled the flames.

The fire ignited around 5:54 p.m., prompting a full township response from Stations 32, 33, and 34 after reports indicated oxygen in use inside the residence. Chief 3300 arrived within minutes and declared a working fire, escalating the incident to a second alarm as flames consumed the garage and extended into the main structure.

Assistant Chief 3310 took command of operations while Engine 3301 crews launched an aggressive attack using 1¾-inch handlines to contain the growing inferno. Mutual aid from JBMDL Fire Department’s 6761 unit established a water supply and provided crucial backup as crews battled both the garage and a burning vehicle inside.

Meanwhile, Assistant Chief 3320 and firefighters from Station 67 executed a primary search of the home, confirming no residents were trapped inside. Intense heat and thick smoke forced interior crews to withdraw temporarily as conditions deteriorated, prompting commanders to shift tactics and deploy master stream operations from outside the structure.

Firefighters battle back flames under dangerous conditions

After a sustained exterior attack, firefighters re-entered the home to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent further spread. Extensive overhaul operations followed as smoldering debris and structural damage posed ongoing hazards. Crews remained on scene for several hours ensuring the blaze was fully contained and that oxygen cylinders inside the garage did not reignite.

Flames tore through a Manchester home Friday evening in Cedar Glen Lakes
Crews from multiple stations responded under a second alarm
No residents were found inside and the fire was eventually contained

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities. The quick coordination between township units and mutual aid partners prevented the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes.

Fire investigation underway following Manchester garage blaze

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