7 Forced From Toms River Home After Dryer Fire, Officials Say

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Seven people were forced from their home in Toms River after a fire that started in the clothing dryer left the house uninhabitable Tuesday evening, officials said.

The fire on Northstream Drive was reported about 7:45 p.m., said Matthew Janora, chief inspector with the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.

The family had safely evacuated when firefighters arrived and Janora said several pets were removed from the home but two cats remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday.

One responder was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but no other injuries were reported, Janora said.

Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further, but the damage was such that the Toms River Building Department deemed the house unsafe, he said.

The Red Cross of New Jersey said it was providing assistance to the family with temporary housing and other emergency needs.

The initial findings suggest the fire was accidental, Janora said. Inspector Ryan LaVigne is the lead investigator.

Responding and assisting agencies included Toms River Fire Dept., Company #1, Toms River Fire Company 2, East Dover Fire Company, Island Heights Volunteer Fire Co. 1, Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Toms River Police Department, Toms River Police EMS IAFF Local 4846, and the Toms River Building Department.

"We thank all fire companies involved and thank our mutual aid, police, and EMS partners for their continued support and assistance," Janora said.