Faulty Outlet Causes Berkeley House Fire: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — A house fire on Butler Boulevard was caused by a faulty electrical outlet, Berkeley police said.

Police said they responded to the home on the 100 block around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arrival, a heavy smoke presence was seen and all occupants were confirmed to be out of the house, police said.

The Bayville Fire Department, the Pinewald Fire Department and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire.

Berkeley Township Detectives, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Marshal’s Office and the Township Fire Official all responded for further investigation, police said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was a faulty electrical outlet, according to police. Vinyl siding and the interior walls of the home were damaged.

Township construction officials also responded and deemed the home uninhabitable until the electric is restored with a township permit, police said.

The property's landlord was also notified.

No injuries were reported, police said.