TOMS RIVER – Under the supervision of firefighters, the residents displaced by an apartment fire at the Fairways at Bey Lea were able to go back into the building and retrieve what was left of their belongings.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention coordinated the operation with the town’s six volunteer fire companies, the police, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The primary objective of this operation was to enable residents to retrieve their essential possessions in a secure and organized manner,” said Chief Inspector Matthew Janora. “The safety of residents and personnel was of paramount importance throughout the process, and strict safety protocols were followed at all times.”
The fire had displaced at least 40 homes on July 15. It was later ruled accidental, possibly caused by improperly discarded smoking material.
There were no fatalities, but two firefighters, an emergency medical technician, and a resident sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
