TOMS RIVER – Fire officials have ruled yesterday’s structure fire at a local massage parlor to be accidental.
On July 9, Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2, East Dover Fire Company, Pleasant Plains Fire Company, Silverton Fire Company and Ocean Beach Fire Company responded to reports of a structure fire at the Massage Wellness on Route 37 East in Toms River.
Once on the scene, fire officials determined that the fire was located in the rear of the building which activated the sprinkler system. An investigation discovered that the source of the fire was a dryer located in the back of the business.
Fire crews extinguished the fire and the building only sustained moderate smoke and water damage and minimal fire damage, thanks to the sprinkler system.
The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, caused by the spontaneous ignition of oil-soaked towels inside the dryer.
The fire investigation was conducted by Richard Foster of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chris Bonner of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Jesse Lampf of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
