Hazelwood Fire Caused by Cigarette, Fire Officials Say

An of a Hazelwood Road home July 10 was caused by a cigarette, fire officials said.

"The fire investigation revealed that an accidental fire occurred as the result of the resident falling asleep while smoking, which ignited a reclining chair," said Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau Director Jim Mercready.  "The resident suffered burn injuries to her right hand and right hip area. "

She was transported to Community Medical Center and then to Saint Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston, N.J.

The fire cause and origin investigation has been completed for the structure fire, he said. A joint investigation was conducted by Inspector Kieran Flynn of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, Toms River Police, Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Ocean County Criminal Investigation Unit.   

"The investigation also revealed that the resident was alerted to the fire her ten year old niece," Mercready said. "There were three residents home at the time of the fire, and they were able to self evacuate the structure prior to the arrival of the East Dover Fire Company."

The house suffered extensive damage and was posted as an unsafe structure by Inspector Flynn.  

Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Director James Mercready reminds all residents that it is extremely important to install and maintain operable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes.