Explosion and Fire Rips Through Beach Haven West Home

The Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company responded to a “fully engulfed” unoccupied structure fire in Beach Haven West on Friday evening.

According to Fire Company Chief John “Jack” Johnson, they received a call at 4:46 p.m. reporting an explosion and fire at 20 David Dr. off of Mill Creek Road.

Township firefighters with mutual assistance from the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company fought the blaze from the ground and above using Stafford’s ladder truck. Firefighters were able to get on the roof of the structure and cut a hole in it to aid in extinguishing the flames.

First Aid squad units from both townships were on the scene as well as Forked River Fire Department’s Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST). The FAST or Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT/RIC) are dedicated solely to search and rescue of other firefighters.  All these units were on standby but not needed, as there were no injuries reported.  

The fire appeared to be under control and mostly extinguished by around 5:30 p.m. as firefighters were going through the structure ensuring there were no hot spots in the walls or ceiling.

Johnson said he could not speculate on the cause of the fire, but the Ocean County Fire Marshall's Office was on site and would be investigating.

Crews from New Jersey Natural Gas also responded to scene. It was not known at press time if the home had active gas service at the time of the reported explosion.