TOMS RIVER — A fire that apparently began in a clothes dryer damaged a home on Northstream Drive on Tuesday evening, forced residents out of the house and left the building unsafe to occupy, authorities said.
Toms River fire companies were sent to the residence at about 7:45 p.m. March 11 on a report of a dryer fire. After dispatchers received additional details, the call was upgraded to a structure fire response.
The first crews to arrive found an active fire inside the home and began extinguishing it. Firefighters brought the blaze under control quickly and stopped it from spreading farther through the residence, according to officials.
Everyone inside the home got out safely before emergency crews arrived. One responder was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and later released. No other injuries were reported.
Several pets were taken out of the home, but two cats were still missing as of the latest update.
The Toms River Building Department responded and determined the home is not safe for occupancy.
The cause remains under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Ryan LaVigne is leading the investigation with help from the Toms River Police Department. Early findings indicate the fire was accidental.
Agencies that responded or assisted included the Toms River Fire Department, Toms River Fire Company No. 1, Toms River Fire Company 2, East Dover Fire Company, Island Heights Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Toms River Police Department, Toms River Police EMS IAFF Local 4846 and the Toms River Township Building Department.
