2nd Holiday City Fire Ruled Accidental: Toms River Fire Official

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A fire that destroyed a home and three vehicles in the Holiday City section early Monday morning has been ruled an accident, a fire safety official said.

The fire at 1833 Mount Juliano Lane was accidental, said, John Novak, chief fire inspector for the Toms River Bureau of Fire Safety. He did not say how the fire started.

Friends of the home's owner say she lost everything in the fire and have created a GoFundMe campaign to help her with initial immediate needs to get back on her feet.

It was reported about 2:45 a.m. Monday by a 911 caller and by Toms River Police Officer James Manolio, who saw smoke as he was leaving the scene of the fire on Mount Everest Lane that happened earlier in the evening, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Manolio saw heavy smoke and circled the neighborhood, finding the fire at the Mount Juliano Lane home, Messina said. The occupants of the home were outside and safe when police arrived, she said.

Novak said there was significant fire damage to the home, and three vehicles in the driveway were destroyed. The fire also damaged the exterior wall, siding and windows at 1829 Mount Juliano Lane, he said.

There were no injuries reported at the fire, he said.

Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention inspector Matthew Janora and Toms River Police Officer Scott Fallano conducted the investigation.

The fire at the Mount Juliano home is unrelated to the earlier fire on Mount Everest Lane, he said.

Firefighters from the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Pleasant Plains Fire Company and East Dover Fire Company responded, Novak said.

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe campaign can do so here.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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