STAFFORD: On Thursday June, 9th 2023 at approximately 4:12 am, the Stafford Township Fire Company was dispatched to the Home Depot of Manahawkin for a report of a structure fire.

Due to the nature of the incident Stafford Township EMS, Barnegat Fire Company,a FAST Team from Forked River Fire Company and an Ocean County Fire Coordinator were also dispatched on the initial alarm. Upon arrival, the building was found to have a heavy smoke condition.

Crews located a fire that was being held by the building suppression system, crews made a aggressive interior attack to extinguish the fire. Due to the smoke conditions Waretown Fire Company and Eagleswood Fire Company were also dispatched. The fire was extinguished and placed under control. All units operated on scene for approximately 3 hours.

Stafford EMS stood by and provided rehab while members operated.

This fire is under investigation by the Stafford Township Bureau of Fire Prevention and The Stafford Police Department.

Throughout the duration of the incident Parkertown Fire Company and Lanoka Harbor Fire Company stood by to provide fire protection while Stafford units were committed to the incident.