Toms River, New Jersey Firefighters Battle Structure Fire

On Sunday, February 8, 2004, at 1:14 PM, the Toms River Fire Companies #1 & #2 were dispatched to a possible structure fire in the Money Island section of Dover Township (Ocean County) New Jersey, along with mutual aid from the Island Heights Vol. Fire Company #1.

The first arriving Chief reported heavy smoke and flames from the rear of the 70-year-old balloon frame structure along with being notified of possible entrapment.

First arriving engines were ordered to force entry to the front door, conduct a primary search for possible victims and advance a 1-3/4 attack line to the seat of the fire on the first floor. Second in units set up a F.A.S.T. team operation, advanced a second 1-3/4 line to the second floor and conducted a secondary search for possible victims. No victims were found inside the structure.

Firefighters had the fire knocked down within minutes and under control in less than 30. There was extensive fire damage to the first floor with extension to the second floor bedrooms. The cause of the fire was undetermined and is under investigation.