MANCHESTER — Authorities say a vehicle fire temporarily closed a stretch of County Road 539 in Manchester Township early Wednesday evening.
Police responded to the area of County Road 539 and New Mexico Drive around 5:43 p.m. March 4 after receiving a report of a vehicle engulfed in flames.
When officers arrived, they found a black 2012 Jeep Wrangler fully involved in fire. The vehicle was unoccupied, and officers quickly secured the area while firefighters were dispatched.
County Road 539 was closed in both directions as members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company worked to bring the blaze under control and eventually extinguish it.
Police said the driver, 65-year-old Tomas Pimentel of Manchester, reported that his vehicle suffered engine trouble while he was heading south on County Road 539. After pulling over, he noticed smoke coming from the engine area and exited the Jeep immediately.
No one else was inside the vehicle, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators from the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office responded and determined the fire was not considered suspicious. Officials believe the blaze was likely sparked by an electrical malfunction.
Manchester Township police also thanked the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company for its quick response in containing the fire.
