LACEY – The fatal house fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon and killed four people has been ruled accidental by officials.
First responders were dispatched to a two-story home on Buttonwood Drive around 12:30 p.m. with multiple people trapped inside.
Brenda Wright, 67, was rescued from the rear of the building and was brought to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. She is currently listed in stable condition.
Four additional victims were inside the structure; however, firefighters were forced to evacuate after the roof collapsed.
Officials confirmed those who perished in the fire were Jennifer Wright, 39; Alaina Wright, 34; a 14-year-old female victim; and a four-month-old infant.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
According to authorities, the fire originated on the porch on the west side of the home, and that improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer also extends his gratitude to all the neighbors, fire service personnel and emergency service personnel that responded in an effort to assist and suppress this fire.
