TOMS RIVER – A family remains displaced following a fire inside their townhome that began around 10:20 a.m. on May 20. Two family dogs and a cat perished in the blaze.
Multiple police and fire units responded to Orchid Court in Toms River for a reported structure fire which was fully involved upon their arrival.
Two residents were inside the home at the time of the first started and were able to safely exit the residence after calling 911.
Police evacuated nearby residences as a precaution. There were no tenant injuries in the incident according to police. Toms River Animal Control was able to rescue a cat from the scene in an adjoining unit.
Members of township fire companies were able to bring the fire under control fairly quickly and save the adjoining homes in the complex. The American Red Cross responded to the scene and provided support for the family.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and is not considered suspicious at this time. Toms River Fire Inspector Charles Bauer is conducting the investigation on behalf of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.
