On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at approximately 11:32 A.M. Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to 1000 Fifth Avenue in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester Township for the report of a structure fire.  When officers arrived on scene, they observed smoke and flames emanating from the roof of the residence and were able to quickly confirm that the residence was unoccupied. 

Firefighters from the Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, and Joint Base Fire, extinguished the fire.  EMT’s from Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services and Toms River EMS also responded. A member of the Manchester Fire Department sustained a minor injury and was subsequently treated and released at Community Medical Center.     

After the extinguishment of the fire, the Manchester Township Building Inspector determined the dwelling to be uninhabitable.  As such, the residents were relocated with family.  Two dogs and a pet bird were rescued by fire department personnel and appeared to be unharmed. 

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Manchester Police Investigations Bureau.