Fire Reported on Fairway Drive In South Toms River

A fire has damaged a structure located at 105 Fairway Drive in South Toms River, firefighters say.

Manitou Park Volunteer Company Fire Chief Will Jubert said that the fire, which was reported around 3:30 p.m., started in the back of the residence and damaged the upstairs.

"When we came to the scene, smoke was coming out of the eaves and there was heavy fire in the back of the residence. The fire began outside and then spread to the attic," the chief explained.

The first report to the department alluded to possible entrapment of the residents in the blaze, though that later proved false. No injuries or human fatalities were reported in the blaze, but four cats were trapped in the residence, firefighters say.

Two of the cats were rescued in the fire, which was extinguished around 4 p.m., said Jubert. Another two were unable to be found at press time.

"The Ocean County Fire Marshal is on scene investigating, and the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time," Jubert added.

Assisting the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company at the scene were officers from the Pinewald Fire Company and Toms River Fire Company No. 2, along with the South Toms River First Aid Squad also being called in to help.