LACEY: On Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 0137 hours, the Lacey Township Police Department responded to the Heritage Apartments, Newark Ave, Forked River, for a report for a structure fire. As officers arrived on scene, they located flames on the east (backside) of the exterior of the building, directly behind the main lobby. They also observed a smoke condition throughout the building. The fire was quickly extinguished by the apartment’s sprinkler system. The Forked River Fire Department responded 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. Additionally, the Lacey Township First Aid Squad and Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad arrived on scene to assist. A partial evacuation of the building was coordinated by officials on scene while the smoke was cleared from the building. The building was deemed habitable, and residents were able to return to their apartments. It appears as if the fire began accidentally. The investigation to the origin of the fire is ongoing. The Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office also responded to the scene.