Car Fire and Suspected Intentional Brush Fire Extinguished in Toms River

Intentional Fire in Woods Near Skyview Park

A brush fire near Skyview Park in Toms River was believed to have started with juveniles in the woods with gasoline, said Toms River Fire District #1 Chief John H. Lightbody.

The fire, reported 6:01 p.m. Thursday, was visible from Goose Creek Road and covered a quarter acre area about 20 feet from the roadway. East Dover Fire Company responded on a report of juveniles in the woods with gasoline, attempting to light a brush fire, Lightbody said.

East Dover Fire Co. Captain James Golden was the incident commander, directing trucks from East Dover, Island Heights and the NJ Forest Fire Service, who responded.

The fire was under control shortly thereafter, but due to the weather conditions and the wind,  the Toms River Twp. Fire Department and the NJ Forest Fire Service urges the public to use extreme caution while in the wooded areas.

Car Fire Closes Church Road on Easter

Pleasant Plains Fire Company was en route to a barbecue grill fire at a Longest Drive home when firefighters found a vehicle fire on Church Road underneath the Garden State Parkway overpass on Easter Sunday.

The white car was ablaze, shutting down Church Road between North Bay Avenue to Todd Road around 7:26 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Silverton President Bob Sinnott said Pleasant Plains Assistant Chief Dave George notified dispatch he was enroute to the grill fire call followed by Chief Brian Doyle.

Pleasant Plain's Engine 3051 responded to the BBQ grill fire along with Assistant Chief George, while Pleasant Plain's Engine 3061 was diverted to the vehicle fire. 

The car fire was extinguished within 9 minutes, Sinnott said, and the grill fire was extinguished upon arrival.

Extreme Warning Level for Forest Fires

The continued, heightened risk of forest fires persisted throughout Ocean County today as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to respond to scattered wildfires due to persistent dry and windy conditions.

According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service: "The fire danger level continues to be listed as extreme in Burlington, Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as Middlesex County south of the Raritan River. In the rest of the state, the fire danger level is high."

"In Burlington, Monmouth and Ocean counties, and Middlesex County south of the Raritan River, Stage Three campfire restrictions remain – meaning all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, gas or electricity."