BERKELEY: Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 7, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Berkeley Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire with possible entrapment on Berkeley Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed heavy fire coming from the front of the structure, and that all three occupants were outside the structure. Two of the occupants were transported to RWJ Barnabas Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated for minor injuries and released. The third occupant was airlifted to Jefferson Health Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. Fire Department personnel were able to extinguish the fire, and the scene was secured until daylight hours.

An extensive and thorough examination by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, revealed that the fire originated in the southwest corner of the living room of the structure. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental – due to improperly discarded smoking material.

Bayville Fire Department released the following statement.

On 02/07/2024, at 2023 hours, Bayville Volunteer Fire Company #1 was dispatched to the area of Berkeley Avenue for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Chief 1700 and Asst. Chief 1710 arrived on location identifying heavy fire conditions yielding an upgraded working fire assignment.

Station 17 Apparatus: Engine 1731, Ladder 1725, Rescue 1713, Tender 1768, Utility 1724 all arrived on location to begin fire suppression operations.

Due to no hydrants in the vicinity of Berkeley Ave and additional hazards identified on scene, additional tenders were dispatched and upgraded to the scene to assist with water supply.

Thank you to the following mutual aid companies for all your support and assistance last night:

Station 18: Manitou Park Fire Company
Station 20: Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company
Station 60: Forked River Fire Company (RIT)
Station 38: Pine Beach Fire Company(Coverage)
Station 61: Lanoka Harbor Fire Company (Coverage)
Squad 13: Bayville First Aid
Squad 55: Berkeley First Aid

The fire is currently under investigation by Berkeley and Ocean County Investigators.