OCEAN COUNTY — A juvenile has been charged with six counts of arson following a flash fire that erupted during a New Year’s Eve gathering in Berkeley Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Authorities said the fire occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. December 31, 2025, at a North Trenton Avenue residence, prompting a large response from police, fire and emergency medical crews after reports of injuries and an active fire.
An investigation found that a party was underway at the home when the juvenile attempted to start a fire in a backyard fire pit. Prosecutors said gasoline was poured multiple times from a five-gallon container into the pit, causing a sudden ignition and flash fire.
Six people attending the gathering, along with the juvenile, were injured. Two of the victims were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment, while another was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Other injured individuals were treated and evaluated at the scene.
The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Berkeley Township Police Department. Officials said interviews with the injured individuals and the juvenile were consistent with physical evidence collected.
Investigators also recovered Ring doorbell video from the rear of the home, which authorities said supported the accounts given regarding how the fire started and how the injuries occurred.
Due to the accused being a juvenile, New Jersey law bars the release of further identifying details.
Billhimer commended the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, fire officials and emergency responders involved in the case.
The charges are accusations, and the juvenile is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
