Berkeley House Fire Damage Spreads To Vehicles, Other Homes

BERKELEY, NJ — A house in the Sonata Bay development caught fire Sunday, spreading to surrounding homes and two vehicles. No one was injured during the Butler Avenue incident.

The fire wasn't suspicious in nature, but it remains under investigation, Berkeley police said. One home and the two vehicles in the driveway and garage sustained major damage. Neighboring homes on Butler Avenue endured minor damage on siding, roof and windows.

Thick flames could be seen from afar. All homes in the surrounding area were evacuated, and the roadways were blocked off.

The Bayville, Pinewald, Manitou Park, Lanoka Harbor and Forked River fire departments responded to the scene. Bayville EMS also assisted. The Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company is providing cover while the Bayville Volunteer Fire Company works at the scene.

Jersey Central Power & Light reported 1,026 outages in Berkeley and 1,207 in Beachwood at about 2:45 p.m. It was not immediately clear whether the outages were connected to the fire.

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