BERKELEY — A house in the Holiday City community was left uninhabitable after a fire ignited by an unattended candle tore through the residence on November 15, according to township police.
Officers arrived on Barbuda Street to find flames and thick smoke pouring from the home. The homeowner had already made it outside and was not injured, police said.
Fire crews from Manitou, Bayville, Pinewald and Toms River responded, along with Berkeley Township First Aid. First responders rescued a dog found inside the burning home. The animal was taken to Northstar Animal Clinic in Brick for treatment for smoke inhalation and was reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators from the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office examined the scene. A township building inspector later ruled the home unsafe to occupy.
The American Red Cross assisted the displaced homeowner with temporary lodging and clothing.
Authorities said the fire appears to have started accidentally due to a candle left burning. The investigation is ongoing.
Emergency agencies credited for their work include the Manitou, Bayville, Pinewald and Toms River fire companies, the Ocean County Fire Marshal, Berkeley Township EMS, Bayville EMS and the American Red Cross.
In the aftermath of the fire, community members have begun organizing support for the homeowner, identified by Exit 80 Scanner News as Jean. According to local residents, donations of women’s clothing — including medium tops, size 2–4 jeans, and shoes in sizes 7 to 7.5 — are being collected, along with winter coats, gloves, hygiene products and other basic necessities such as socks, sweats and blankets.
Two donation drop-off points have been established. Items may be left on the porch at 457 St. Thomas Drive in Toms River. Just Believe Boutique Inc., located at 734 Route 37, Suite 5, in Toms River, is also serving as an official intake site and is accepting clothing, hygiene supplies and other essentials. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
