Fire Companies Help Residents Retrieve Belongings From Fire-Damaged Apartments

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Residents of the Fairways of Bey Lea were escorted into Building 30 on Thursday to retrieve belongings they are able to salvage following a fire Saturday that severely damaged the structure.

The fire, which was ruled accidental — the Ocean County Prosecutor's office said it was determined to be improperly discarded smoking materials — left the residents of the 22-unit building unable to return to live in their apartments.

For some, the fire destroyed all of their belongings. But for those whose apartments suffered less damage or are simply uninhabitable because of the condition of the building, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention helped them collect items that were important to them.

"This operation was conducted through collaborative efforts involving all six volunteer fire companies within Toms River, the Toms River Police Department, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office," said Matthew Janora, chief inspector with the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. "The safety of residents and personnel was of paramount importance throughout the process, and strict safety protocols were followed at all times."

Janora called the effort "a crucial operation," and said the efforts to do so were successful.

"As the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, our mission extends beyond fire prevention to include community support and engagement. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with residents to enhance safety measures, promote fire education, and foster a resilient community spirit," Janora said.

Nearly 40 people were forced out of their apartments by the fire, authorities said, but there were no injuries.

The following agencies assisted Thursday:

• Pleasant Plains Vol. Fire Department
• Toms River Township Government, New Jersey
• Toms River Police Department
• Ocean County Prosecutor's Office
• Toms River Fire Dept., Company #1
• Toms River Fire Company 2
• Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Company - NJ
• East Dover Fire Company
• Silverton Volunteer Fire Company