On Sept. 10, 2014, at 3:06 p.m., Manchester Township Police responded the 2300 block of Oak Knoll Drive for a reported structure fire. At the time of the fire, the residence was occupied by two juveniles who exited the home and called police.
The fire was said to have triggered the smoke detectors which alerted the occupants to exit the residence. Responding fire companies were able to contain the fire to one upstairs bedroom.
The electric company was able to assist the rescue workers by cutting the power to the entire residence. Officer Anthony Illiadis, Detective Christopher Hemhauser, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Investigator Thomas Haskell, and Ocean County Fire Marshal Edward Hazelton later determined one of the juveniles accidentally set the fire while playing with a lighter.
There were no reported injuries during this incident. Manchester Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Arthur Abline and Red Cross personnel are assisting the family with their needs. Ridgeway, Manchester, Whiting, Lakehurst Joint Navy Base, and Lakehurst Fire Companies were all instrumental in containing the fire to only one room. Quality Medical also assisted at the scene with the juveniles.