TOMS RIVER – An early morning house fire in Toms River is now under probe on New Year’s Day.
According to authorities, five firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze at a one-story dwelling on 15th Street in Silverton.
The fire broke out after 5 a.m. and quickly spread, engulfing the entire structure. None of the residents were injured but two pet cats died.
It was believed that the residents were stuck inside but that report was erroneous. They apparently made it out before the fire crews arrived.
Four of the firefighters suffered exhaustion while the other was burned.
According to a Facebook post from the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Firefighter Mike Mooney was burned while exiting the house after a flash over condition occurred. He was taken to the hospital and has since been released and is home with his family.
Capt John Keating, Max Kenny, Jason Goldstein and Salem Bahr were the others identified in the social media post who suffered minor injuries.
Multiple units had responded to the scene including The Toms River Police Department, Fire Companies Number 1 and 2 and the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company.
There is no word on the cause but an investigation has been launched.
