Fire Destroys Family's Home, Kills Pets, Manchester Police Say

MANCHESTER, NJ -- A Manchester family's home was left uninhabitable after a fire swept through it Friday morning, injuring three firefighters and killing the family's pets, police said.

The fire at 500 Morningside Street in Pine Lake Park was reported about 10:15 a.m., Manchester Lt. Vincent Manco said. Patrolmen Patrick Morgan and Michael Terranova responded and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the residence, but all of the home's human occupants had safely escaped, he said.

Firefighters from Manchester Fire, Ridgeway Fire, Lakehurst Fire, Toms River No. 1, Toms River No. 2, Manitou Park Fire, Pleasant Plains Fire, and Joint Base McGuire/Lakehurst/Dix Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the blaze before it spread to surrounding residences, Manco said.

Three firefighters suffered minor burns and were taken to Ocean Medical Center, Brick Township, where they were treated and released, he said.

In addition to the fire services, JCP&L, New Jersey Natural Gas, Manchester Township Animal Control, and the Manchester Township Building Department also responded to the scene. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the family with shelter arrangements, Manco said.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though it appears to be accidental in nature, he said. The incident remains under investigation by Manchester Police Detective Craig Beaulieu, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and members of the Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office.

"The Manchester Township Police Department extends their sincere gratitude to the many brave men and women of the above fire companies for their dedicated service. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to the injured firemen," Manco said.