Cedar Grove House Fire Ruled Not Suspicious

that disintegrated a Cedar Grove home's garage and significantly damaged the house was not suspicious, but fire investigators ruled the cause of the fire undetermined.

"After a thorough fire cause and origin investigation, the fire has been ruled as undetermined but not suspicious at this time," said Jim Mercready, Director Toms River Fire Prevention.

The May 7 fire occurred just before midnight to a single-family home that sits adjacent to the Now boarded up with its charred garage frame and significant fire damage, the night of the fire required response from multiple hoses to knock down the blaze. Overhaul continued through 2 a.m. that night.

The incident "resulted in heavy fire damage to the garage portion of the house," Mercready said. "The attached dwelling portion of the house suffered moderate heat, smoke and water damage, rendering the house uninhabitable."

The fire investigation was conducted by Inspector Charles Bauer of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, and Detective James Magovern of the Toms River Police Department.  

The structure was declared to be unsafe for occupancy as the result of the fire, and will need to have repairs made before it can be reoccupied.

Living at the residence were Maria Bertollini, her sons Tommy and Steven along with a dog and two cats live in the home, said Bertollini's sister, Kathy More. No one was injured in the blaze, which also destroyed a car in the driveway.

More said the Bertollinis temporarily moved in with her following the blaze and continue to look for assistance. Donations of non-perishables, clothing and gift cards are being sought to help the family, she said. More can be reached at 732-286-3656 or through mail at Kathy More, care of Maria Bertollini, 1956 Bricksburg Court, Toms River 08755.