Monday Morning Fire Displaces Pine Lake Park Family

An early morning fire Monday displaced a family of four from their Pine Lake Park home.

At about 3 a.m. Monday, police and fire units were dispatched to 725 Commonwealth Blvd. on reports of a fire, according to Manchester Police Capt. Lisa Parker.

"Upon arrival, units observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the kitchen area of the home," Parker said in a news release.

The Ocean County Fire Marshall responded and upon completion of the investigation ruled the fire an accidental blaze, Parker said.

Joseph Boone, who lived at the bi-level house with his wife and two daughters, was surveying the damage at the home on Monday afternoon. He said that everyone made it out safely though he does not remember hearing a fire alarm sound.

"I smelled smoke, and I woke up," he said. His first though was "to get my kids out."

The fire, Boone said, has caused his family "dismay" as much of their belongings were destroyed, save for some clothing and a few pieces of furniture.

"You can't explain it," he said. "It's pretty much the worst feeling you can have."

According to Parker, the family was treated by Manchester First Aid for smoke inhalation as a precaution.

Parker said that the home is uninhabitable for the time being. 

Boone said that the family will stay at a home provided by the Red Cross until Friday, at which time they will need to find other lodging. He said that he does hope his family will be able to return to the home once repairs are made.

According to Parker, the Manchester Twp Fire Company, Ridgeway Fire Co., Whiting Fire Co., Lakehurst Boro Fire Chief and the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J. Fire Co. responded to the blaze.

JCP&L, NJNG and United Water all responded to turn off utilities to the residence, Parker said.