TOMS RIVER – Authorities have determined that the fire that displaced at least 40 families has been ruled accidental.
A three-alarm fire broke out at the Fairways at Bey Lea on Inverness Drive on July 15 around 1:30 p.m.
At the scene, all six Toms River fire companies were battling massive flames and heavy smoke. Due to the size of the fire and extreme heat, mutual aid was called in, Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said. This included fire companies from Forked River, Bayville, and Lakewood. Officials said the building was evacuated without incident.
While extinguishing the fire, two firefighters, an emergency medical technician, and a resident sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
After thorough investigation, authorities determined that the fire originated on a third floor balcony. Additionally, officials said that improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire. Subsequently, the cause of the fire was ruled accidental.
“I’d like to thank all the emergency service personnel that responded to this structure fire. We had fire companies from all over Ocean County respond and assist in the suppression of this fire. My sincere thanks to all the first responders who worked so tirelessly under the most extreme heat conditions. I am extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
The blaze completely destroyed the homes and belongings of nearly 40 families. Some included couples, friends, and siblings who lost everything. Various GoFundMe pages have been set up, collectively raising over $42,000 in 24 hours.
