Lightning-Sparked Fire Destroys Manchester Home, Kills Pets

MANCHESTER, NJ — A fire caused when lightning struck a home killed several pets and left the residents homeless on Wednesday, Manchester police said.

The house was engulfed in flames when Manchester police and firefighters responded to the fire at 318 Beckerville Road in the Whiting section, which was reported at 2:48 p.m., Capt. Todd Malland said.

All of the residents had gotten out safely, but their pets, which included two cats, a bird, and several reptiles, could not be rescued and died in the fire, he said.

Firefighters from the Whiting, Manchester, and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments along with firefighters from Lakehurst, the Joint Base, Cassville, Whitesville, and Forked River Fire Departments responded and extinguished the fire.

EMTs from Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services also responded.

There were no injuries to any of the residents or first responders reported at the scene, Malland said. The Red Cross assisted with providing necessary supplies for the family and they were eventually relocated with nearby acquaintances.

The cause of fire was determined to be the result of a lightning strike on the side of the house, Malland said. Detective Adam Emmons and an investigator from the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the fire.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.