Fire Closes Ocean County Courts In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A malfunctioning battery in a portable radio caused enough smoke and concern to cancel court proceedings at the Ocean County Courthouse on Monday, officials said.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office issued an alert shortly after 10 a.m. about fire and police activity in the area of the courthouse, which led to the closure of Hooper Avenue.

Firefighters and Ocean County Sheriff’s officers were outside the older section of the building and there was a faint odor of smoke in the air about 40 minutes after the road closure alert was issued.

Sheriff Michael Mastronardy said the issue was caused by a portable radio battery in a locker that caused smoke.

There were no injuries reported.

The issue did not affect the Ocean County Jail or the construction of the jail expansion, where work was actively continuing as fire personnel were down the block at the courthouse.

The court closing was announced on the state courts website:

"Due to a facilities issue, Ocean Vicinage will be closed the remainder of today, May 11th, 2026. For Temporary Restraining Orders, please contact the Family Division - Domestic Violence Unit at (732)504-0700, extension 64608, or your local police department."

Hooper Avenue was reopened shortly before 11 a.m.