Multi-House Fire Leaves 9 Homeless In Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — An early morning fire destroyed two multifamily houses and seriously damaged a third in Seaside Heights on Saturday, leaving nine people without a home, officials said.

There were no injuries, authorities said. The cause remained under investigation.

The three-alarm fire on Sheridan Avenue was reported at 3:30 a.m., Seaside Heights Fire Chief Tim Farrell said.

Firefighters arrived to find one home fully involved, a second one with flames coming through the roof and a third with flames at the side of the house extending inside, Farrell said.

Three vehicles were also involved, he said.

Firefighters from multiple companies were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to additional homes "under challenging early morning conditions," Farrell said.

All three homes were deemed uninhabitable and the most severely damaged home had been demolished by late Saturday afternoon.

The Red Cross of New Jersey said it responded to help three families, with a total of nine people, with emergency assistance.

Two GoFundMe campaigns have been started to help families affected by the blaze.

The family whose home was a total loss is staying in a hotel temporarily, arranged by the Red Cross, according to the GoFundMe set up by Theresa Davis.

"After nearly 40 years of living in the house, this loss is truly devastating, and the transition ahead will be challenging," she wrote. In addition to losing their home they also lost their vehicle to the fire, she said.

The family has received help from Just Believe and support from Community Medical Center, where at least one family member works, according to Davis. The GoFundMe is here for those who wish to donate.

The second GoFundMe, set up by Jessica Friedel, is to assist the family whose home suffered damage but remains standing. That family is staying with Friedel's parents, she wrote.

"The repairs needed are extensive," she wrote. "Unfortunately, it looks like insurance may not cover the full cost of restoring their home." That GoFundMe can be found here for those who wish to donate.

Farrell said the following fire companies and EMS responded to help: Seaside Park Fire Department; Lavallette Fire Department; Toms River Fire Department; Point Pleasant Beach Fire Department; Manitou Park Fire Department; Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office; Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, and Lavallette First Aid Squad.

Video of the fire was published by Jersey Shore Fire Response.