TOMS RIVER — A fast-moving blaze destroyed a home on Keats Avenue, leaving two families without housing just days before Christmas, authorities said.
Fire crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Keats Avenue on the afternoon of December 21, where they encountered heavy flames and dense smoke pushing from multiple sides of the residence. Thick black smoke from the blaze was visible for miles, officials said.
Firefighters launched an aggressive interior and exterior attack and brought the fire under control in less than 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes. The house was declared a total loss.
All Toms River mainland fire companies responded, with assistance from the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Responding units included Toms River Fire Companies 25 and 26, East Dover Fire Company 28, Silverton Fire Company 29, Pleasant Plains Fire Company 30, and Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company 53.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters remained on scene after the fire was knocked down to extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul operations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local fire officials.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the displaced families — Laurie, Brian and Declan Mullin, as well as Ashley Ira and Aliyah Segalla — who lost their home and many of their belongings in the fire. “Our hearts are with two families who have experienced an unimaginable loss,” GoFundMe organizer Rebecca Biebel wrote. “While everyone is safe, the road ahead will be long and overwhelming as they work to secure temporary housing, replace essential items and begin rebuilding their lives.”
Biebel said the fundraiser is intended to help ease the immediate financial burden and assist the families with basic necessities as they begin the recovery process.
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/coming-together-for-families-after-the-fire.
