3 Injured In Accidental Berkeley House Fire: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — Three were injured in a house fire on Berkeley Avenue this week that has been ruled accidental, officials said.

Bayville Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the fire at about 8:23 p.m. on Feb. 7, officials said.

Upon arrival, firefighters said they noticed "heavy fire conditions." All three of the home's occupants were outside of the house, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

The fire company began working to extinguish the flames, but a lack of hydrants in the area and "additional hazards identified on scene" meant that additional tenders were dispatched to the scene to help with water supply.

Two occupants were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated for minor injuries and released, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. A third occupant was airlifted to Jefferson Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he is currently in critical but stable condition as of Friday afternoon, Billhimer said.

Investigation revealed that the fire started in the southwest corner of the home's living room, Billhimer said. It was ruled accidental and was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, he said.

The following mutual aid companies assisted with the fire:

• Station 18: Manitou Park Fire Company
• Station 20: Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company
• Station 60: Forked River Fire Company (RIT)
• Station 38: Pine Beach Fire Company (Coverage)
• Station 61: Lanoka Harbor Fire Company (Coverage)
• Squad 13: Bayville First Aid
• Squad 55: Berkeley First Aid