TOMS RIVER — A residential fire tied to a rooftop solar panel system left a Toms River home unsafe to occupy, authorities said.
Firefighters from the East Dover Fire Company were dispatched to the home along with Toms River Fire Company No. 2, which responded as the rapid intervention team, and the Island Heights Fire Company after flames were reported coming from the roof.
The first crews to arrive found smoke and fire showing from the roof area of the two-story house and began extinguishing the blaze while searching for its source. Investigators later determined the fire started in a solar panel system installed on the rear section of the roof, according to the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.
The response was briefly elevated to a second alarm, but crews from East Dover and Island Heights quickly contained the fire. Because the blaze was knocked down so fast, additional incoming units were canceled and sent back to service.
The fire remains under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, with Inspector Kappock leading the case.
Officials said the blaze was ruled accidental and traced to an electrical failure in the area of the rooftop solar panels.
Because of damage and the loss of electrical service, the Toms River Building Department responded and declared the home unsafe for occupancy.
