Police: Quick Actions Of Officers in Monmouth County Likely Saved Home From Significant Fire Damage

Holmdel police officers had to force their way into an Alpine Road home after the resident accidentally left a stove burner on and the house began to fill with smoke, authorities said.

Around 4:20 p.m. March 21, a fire alarm began to sound at the home.

When Patrolmen Michael Dowens and Brian O’Keefe arrived, they smelled a burning odor and the doors were locked, according to a news release from Lt. Michael Pigott.

When Dowens climbed onto a second story patio here he saw that the house was filling up with smoke, police said.

The officers forced their way inside, and realized the stove burner had been left on. A pan was atop that burner, which was beginning to melt, police said.

Police shut off the burner, and checked the house. They determined no one was home, and a short time later, they were able to contact the homeowner. In the meantime, firefighters arrived to ventilate the area.

In the news release, the lieutenant praised the officers for their quick actions, which he said, saved the home from further damage.