Early Morning Blaze Damages Physical Therapy Center

The Atlantic Physical Therapy location on Route 9 may reopen this week after an early morning fire Monday caused roof and water damage.

The blaze, reported at about 3:30 a.m. at the 1372 Route 9 building, was extinguished by responders from Pleasant Plains, Silverton, and the No. 1 and 2 fire companies in Toms River, said Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy.

"The fire caused water and smoke damage but there were no injuries as a result of the fire," Mastronardy said. An air conditioning unit installed last week appeared to have ignited the blaze.

Owner Dave Manzo said that "in a perfect world" it is possible the building may reopen this week, but that remains uncertain. Restoration crews have already begun to work at the scene, he said.

Patients who use the Route 9 center will be transferred to the Route 70 Manchester location in the meantime and are being notified of the change, Manzo said. Patients are welcome to continue using the Toms River phone number, as it will ring in Manchester where a representative will answer.

"Feel free to keep calling," Manzo said.

Manzo thanked the fire companies for saving the building from more significant damage.

"These guys did a great job," he said.

The fire is being investigated by Officer Joe Mastronardy and Fire Inspector Charles Bauer.