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Silverton firefighters responded to the fire on Kettle Creek Road at around 3:20 a.m. on Monday, July 1, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said in a news release. Two townhome units were fully on fire and flames were spreading to neighboring units in the Mariners Cove townhome complex.
First reports said a man was possibly trapped inside the building and fire crews began searching for him. They had to retreat because of how severe the fire was but the man was safely found outside the townhomes.
Three residents were brought to Community Medical Center after suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Two victims were released and the third was transferred to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the flames. Two were treated at a hospital and released.
About 10 residents were displaced after building inspectors ruled six units were unsafe and two others were severely damaged. The Red Cross said it was helping eight people from three families with immediate needs like food, clothing, and temporary housing.
The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said the fire was accidental, likely caused by "the failure of energized electrical equipment." The Ocean County Sheriff's Office, Toms River police, and the township's fire bureau assisted in the investigation.
Firefighters from East Dover, Island Heights, Ocean Beach, Pleasant Plains, and Toms River helped put out the flames.
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