House Fire Kills Family's Dog In East Dover: Toms River Fire Officials

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A fire significantly damaged a duplex home in the East Dover section on Sunday, killing the family's pet dog, fire officials said.

The fire on Mystic Port Place was reported about 6:30 p.m., with the caller saying someone may still be inside the home, said John Novak, chief inspector for the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.

Firefighters from the East Dover and Island Heights fire companies along with Toms River Fire Companies 1 and 2 and Silverton Fire Company fought the fire while searching the house for anyone who may be trapped, officials said. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes, officials said.

The family was not home and Toms River police were able to account for all of the humans who lived there, but the family's dog was found dead, they said.

There were no other injuries reported, Novak said.

Ocean Beach Fire Company provided coverage for the area while the fire was being fought, officials said.

The fire remains under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Toms River Police Department, but it does not appear to be suspicious, Novak said.