Crews Cleaning Up After Blaze at Route 166 Plaza

A major fire on Route 166 in a small strip mall near Old Freehold Road and James Street is knocked down, after firefighters worked through extreme heat to mount their attack.

However, crews expect to remain on scene to break down the debris and clean up after a blaze that prompted responses from most Ocean County fire companies.

"We will be here for at least two more hours," said John Mount, commander of Fire Company 1, a bit after 11 a.m.

The fire, which began around 8 a.m. this morning, was near the Wizard O'Wash laundromat, Attilio's Pizza and Goodyear on Route 166. All Toms River fire companies had been working to prevent the fire's spread, and police Chief Michael Mastronardy said it was "basically contained" just after 10 a.m.

Mastronardy said the blaze spread quickly to other buildings via the metal corrugated ceiling of the strip mall. The origin of the fire could not be immediately ascertained as of this morning.

The blaze had snarled traffic, with Route 166 closed in both directions between Old Freehold Road and Route 37. James Street was shuttered from Route 166 to Boyd Street. Presidential Boulevard was closed, as were portions of Division Street.

Motorists are still urged to avoid the area, which is a major intersection for Toms River already seeing ongoing construction at Dover Mall across the street. Detours are in place in the vicinity. At least Route 166 faces closures as the responders clean up the scene.

The extreme heat today combined with the heat of the fire has led to challenging conditions for the first responders, including all firefighting units and Toms River police and EMS. Water stations are set up for the responders, and crews had to frequently relieve each other as they battled the blaze.

Multiple towns are assisting Toms River responders, including crews from Brick, Island Heights, Manchester and Bayville.

This is a breaking news report. Check back for more information.