'Hot' Blaze Leaves Forked River Home Uninhabitable

A Penguin Court home is uninhabitable after a blaze engulfed the structure early Monday morning, Forked River Fire Department Chief Ray Brandmahl said.

“The front of the house was totally up to the roof with flames,” Brandmahl said of the department’s arrival. “You could see the glow from a block away before we got there.”

The fire department arrived at 12:55 a.m. and it took approximately two hours to control the flames, he said. Approximately 30 firefighters from Forked River, the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company and the Bayville FAST Team fought the blaze.

Four were living in the home at the time and were able to exit without injuries, Brandmahl said.

Once the blaze was under control, the firefighters had to go into the house and put the fire out in the attic, he said.

“It was very hot,” Brandmahl said. “Electrical wires were popping and insulation was burning out in the street.”

JCP&L also responded to inspect the meter and turn off the gas, he said.

The fire is believed to have originated on the front porch, which collapsed, he said. But the actual cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

“More than likely, I think the home would have to be torn down,” he said.

The Waretown Volunteer Fire Company responded to cover for the Forked River Fire Department.

The Ocean County Fire Marshal is investigating the incident. Return to Lacey Patch as more information becomes available.