On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the AristaCare at Whiting in reference to an active structure fire.
Upon arrival, officers observed flames and a smoke condition contained to a single room in the second-floor west wing area of the facility. At that time, officers confirmed that all residents and staff located in the west wing had been evacuated.
All Manchester Fire Departments and EMS personnel arrived on scene to assist. Mutual aid services to include fire and EMS services were provided by Lakehurst, Plumsted, Forked River, Bayville, South Toms River and Joint Base. The fire, which originated from an electrical malfunction in a light fixture, was knocked down by the activated sprinkler system and fully extinguished by responding fire personnel.
Approximately 50 residents were evacuated, triaged, and monitored by Manchester and Ocean County EMS personnel along with AristaCare Staff. 16 patients from the affected hallway were safely relocated within the facility. A comprehensive accountability check of all residents was completed before emergency responders cleared the scene.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all responding agencies for their swift and coordinated efforts during this incident. A special thanks to the Manchester Fire Departments, as well as mutual aid partners from Lakehurst, Plumsted, Forked River, Bayville, and Joint Base Fire Departments. We also acknowledge the outstanding support provided by the Manchester and Ocean County EMS teams, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Manchester and Ocean County OEM, the staff at AristaCare, and all the first responders who ensured the safe evacuation and care of the facility’s residents.