STAFFORD:

FATAL PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 1, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a mobile home fire was reported on Lakewood Road in Plumsted Township. Upon arrival, emergency service personnel observed heavy smoke emanating from the mobile home, with a male victim outside the residence and another victim still trapped inside. The male victim, later identified as the homeowner, Paul Hakos, 79, was transported to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold for treatment of his injuries. He is listed in stable condition. Firefighters located the body of a female victim, later identified as Catherine Hakos, 63, in the back bedroom of the residence. Ms. Hakos was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Plumsted Township Fire Marshal’s Office, 0and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, has revealed that the fire originated underneath the structure, and that a failure of energized electrical equipment could not be eliminated as the cause. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Plumsted Township Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.

Stafford Fire Department released the following statement. On Tuesday October 31 ,2023 just after midnight the Stafford Township Fire Company was dispatched to Ocean Acres section of Manahawkin for a report of a smoke investigation with a large explosion, that developed into a structure fire.

Due to the nature of the incident Stafford Township EMS, Barnegat Fire Company, Waretown Fire Company and a FAST Team from Forked River Fire Company were also requested. Berkeley emergency response team was requested and responded to assist.

Stafford EMS stood by and provided rehab while members operated.

The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. The scene is currently under a joint investigation with the Stafford Township Police Dept and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Throughout the duration of the incident Eagleswood Fire Company and Ship Bottom Fire stood by to provide fire protection while Stafford units were committed to the incident. During the incident the standby companies responded to a carbon monoxide incident.

Stafford EMS released the following statement.Shortly after midnight, Stafford Township EMS was dispatched with Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company for a possible fire in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford. BLS 386 went enroute and was advised of upgrade to a structure fire with a burn victim.

Without delay, Chief 380, Deputy Chief 381, Ambulances 385, 386, 387, 389, and Rehab 384 operated on scene providing medical assistance and Fire rehab for approximately 4 hours. 1 patient was transported to a landing zone and flown to Temple University Hospital.

Stafford Fire and mutual aid companies tended to the containment and extinguishment of the fire. We would like to commend the work of all agencies on scene during this incident and give thoughts and prayers to the victim and family. Stafford Fire Company, Stafford Police Department, Stafford EMS Auxiliary