One Dead In Massive House Fire

Photo courtesy Ocean County Scanner News

TOMS RIVER – A woman has died in a massive home blaze that destroyed one house and seriously damaged four others.

The flames were massive, the smell of smoke permeated for miles and it took 60 firefighters to get it under control Friday night in the Silverton section of town.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Scanner News

Toms River Police directed all inquires to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office who issued a press release Saturday morning.

Emergency service personnel determined that the structure was occupied by two adults and three children at the time of the fire. It was further determined that a male and three children evacuated the residence, however one female remained inside.

The release said rescue efforts were attempted by police and fire personnel, but were unsuccessful. After the fire was extinguished, a female body was discovered inside the residence.

Strong winds helped to fuel the flames.

The blaze broke out shortly before 11 p.m. at the 15th Street home.

A Toms River Township Police Officer was transported to Community Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said “this is an ongoing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sherriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. We are not releasing the name of deceased until proper notifications are made. This is a sad day for everyone involved.”

Ocean County Scanner News staffers were able to get photographs from the scene.