Woman, 93, Killed In Belmar Oceanfront House Fire

BELMAR, NJ — A 93-year-old woman was killed in a house fire Wednesday in Belmar, according to the Belmar volunteer fire department and multiple media reports.

She died inside her own home when it caught fire.

The fire broke out inside the three-story Surf Avenue, at 18th Avenue, home at about 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Goodwill Hose Co. Station 87 in Belmar.

When firefighters got there, they found a heavy fire throughout the three-story, Victorian-style home. The wind was blowing very strong, spreading the flames, and volunteer firefighters tried to get inside and save the elderly woman, who was trapped.

"Unfortunately, due to a well-advanced fire, members were unable to enter the structure," they wrote. "Our deepest sympathy and continued prayers to the family for their tragic loss."

Kevin Colie, 58, told the Asbury Park Press his mother, Frances Colie, 93, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The fire was so big that mutual aid was called in from many surrounding towns.

News 12 also reported there was a second person inside the home who was able to escape and survive, but the elderly woman did not.

See more photos of the fire at the three-story home: https://twitter.com/search?q=b...