Stafford Garage Fire Ruled Accidental: Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A garage fire at a Stafford Township home on Breakers Drive prompted temporary evacuations, a two-hour traffic detour and a joint investigation that found the blaze was accidental, according to the Stafford Township Police Department.

Police said officers responded June 24 to 1549 Breakers Dr. for a report of a structure fire originating in the garage of a single-family residence. As emergency crews worked at the scene, nearby residences were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Traffic on Breakers Drive was detoured for approximately two hours so firefighters could extinguish the fire and investigators could examine the cause.

The Stafford Township Fire Department responded with assistance from the Waretown Fire Department and extinguished the fire, according to police.

The occupants of the residence were outside the home when the fire occurred and were not injured.

A fundraiser has been launched to support the family; you can find the link here.

The investigation was conducted jointly by Stafford Township Police Detective Halliday and Fire Official Heidi Michel. Police reported that the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. Investigators believe the fire may have originated from lithium-ion batteries that were being stored inside the garage, according to the police department.

Because of the damaged batteries, the Ocean County Hazardous Materials Unit responded to collect and dispose of them safely. The police department said the HAZMAT response was made as a precaution.

The family declined assistance from the American Red Cross and On-Point, according to police. The family advised that they will be staying with relatives in Beach Haven while arrangements are made following the incident.