Lakewood Apartment House Fire Ruled Arson: Prosecutor

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A fire at a Lakewood apartment complex that forced 37 people from their homes earlier in August was set intentionally, the Ocean County prosecutor's office said Tuesday.

The fire at the Lexington Avenue Apartments was reported at 11:27 p.m. on Aug. 2 and was contained to the front wall of the three-story rooming house, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor's office. In total, 37 people — 29 adults and 8 children — who were evacuated from the building ultimately were displaced as a result of the fire.

The Arson Unit of the prosecutor's office and the Lakewood Police Department are continuing to investigate. They were assisted at the scene by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU and Fire Marshal's Office.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to call the prosecutor's Arson Unit at 732 929-2027, ext. 3953, or the Lakewood Police Department Detective Bureau at 732 363-0200. Information and the identity of callers will be kept strictly confidential.

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