The blaze in Toms River this morning has left a woman dead, an official confirms to TLS.
A man and woman were in the home when it went up in flames, but the man managed to escape.
“Police Officers Scott Fallano and Raymond Beyerle, who were first to arrive, entered the front door and tried to locate the woman,” TRPD Spokesman Ralph Stocco said. “They were quickly turned back by the thick smoke.”
Once outside, they located a 67-year-old male resident in the backyard who had escaped the blaze. He was trying to regain entry to his home to locate the woman. The structure was now fully engulfed in flames and rescue attempts were not successful.
The man, who suffered burns to his hands, was removed to a safe distance.
The 64-year-old woman, who also resided at that address, did not survive the fire. The man declined medical treatment at the scene.
One firefighter was injured during rescue attempts. He was burned on his neck and ear when he bravely entered the burning building.
“I believe that he is a 23 year old Silverton Fire Company Fighter but I cannot confirm that at this time,” Stocco said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Toms River Detective Roger Hull. Also involved in the investigation are the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriffs CSI, and Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Responding fire units were Pleasant Plains, Silverton, east Dover, Toms River #1 & #2, Island Heights, and Manchester. Medical units responding were Toms River EMS Division, MONOC Paramedics, and Silverton Volunteer EMS.
Sad.
My heart goes out for this man. Our thoughts and payers are with you and your family during these troubling times. May your wife rest in peace.
How sad. May the husband and family be comforted.
How do you know it was his wife ?
Im curios why the lkwd fire dept is not on the list of responders…
The LFD was called very last and they covered a Toms River fire house in case that station got a call. In my opinion I think they should have been called with the first departments. I have watched the LFD at a fire in town and they are excellent at handling fires and bad situations and get the job done fast. Im glad my tax dollars go to the LFD! May the life lost rest in peace and the family recover swiftly.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace.