Cause Of Fatal Stafford House Fire Revealed: Prosecutor

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The cause of a Stafford house fire that killed a 92-year-old woman and left two others critically injured has been revealed, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced.

Investigation revealed that the fire originated on the southeast exterior wall, specifically within an outdoor storage container, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental - likely resulting from a failure of lithium-ion batteries, Billhimer said.

Emergency personnel went to the Yeoman Road home at about 1:20 a.m. on Feb. 13, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Heavy fire conditions were seen and there were reports of entrapment.

Two people were able to escape the fire. One was taken to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia, Billhimer said. The other was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Billhimer said. Both were in critical condition early Friday; as of Friday evening, they are both stable.

The third person, a 92-year-old woman identified as Betty Matero, was trapped inside the burning house, Billhimer said. Her cause of death was revealed to be smoke inhalation.