WHITING — An apparent electrical malfunction sparked a fire Saturday afternoon that damaged a Whiting restaurant and forced the evacuation of neighboring businesses, officials said.
Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department were called around 2:25 p.m. on February 7 to Dickey’s Barbeque Pit at 108 Lacey Road after smoke was reported coming from the ceiling. Police arriving on scene found active flames and heavy smoke venting from the side of the building.
All occupants of Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and the adjacent Whiting Bar & Spirits were evacuated, along with patrons and employees from several nearby businesses as a precaution. Authorities later said those surrounding businesses were not affected by the fire.
Fire companies from across the region responded within minutes and carried out a coordinated suppression effort that quickly brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading further. Emergency medical personnel from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services also assisted at the scene, along with utility crews and township officials.
Both Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and Whiting Bar & Spirits sustained significant damage and were declared unsafe for occupancy. No injuries were reported.
Following the incident, the owner of Dickey’s Barbeque Pit posted on Facebook that the restaurant would remain closed due to the damage. “Tragedy struck yesterday. Our beautiful restaurant had a fire,” the owner wrote, thanking guests, family and friends for their support over the past several years and noting that while no one was hurt, the damage was extensive.
The fire is being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with Detective Thomas Chant of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau. Officials said the fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical issue.
Police officials praised the swift, coordinated response by fire, EMS, utility, county and township personnel for helping ensure public safety and limit damage.
