LACEY – An apartment complex was deemed habitable despite a fire breaking out early yesterday morning.
Around 1:30 a.m., police and fire personnel responded to the Heritage Apartments located on Newark Avenue in Forked River regarding a structure fire.
Officers said flames were seen from the backside of the building on the exterior, directly behind the main lobby. They also saw smoke throughout the building.
Police said that the apartment’s sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire. The Forked River Fire Department was on scene and determined the fire had not spread.
The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, Waretown Fire Department, and Bayville Fire Department all arrived on scene to assist. The Lacey Township First Aid Squad and Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad also responded.
The building was partially evacuated by officials while the smoke was cleared from the building. Residents were able to return to their apartments after the building was deemed habitable, police said.
At this time, the origin of the fire is under investigation, however officials have stated that the fire appears to have been started accidentally. The Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office also responded to the scene.
