Crime & Safety

Man Hospitalized After Car Fire in Water Street Grill Lot

Early morning fire doused by two Toms River fire companies

A man escaped from his burning car in the parking lot near Baker's Water Street Grill early Tuesday morning before he suffered any serious injuries.

Firefighters from Toms River Fire Companies 1 & 2 arrived at the 3:39 a.m. blaze to find a vehicle fully involved with a passenger inside, said Jim Mercready, director of Toms River Fire Prevention.

The occupant of the vehicle, identified as 47 year old Michael Whitam, was in the vehicle at the time the fire started and suffered smoke inhalation but was eventually able to get out of the vehicle. He was transported to Community Medical Center by the Toms River First Aid Squad, said Mercready.

Inspector John Novak of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention conducted the fire cause and origin investigation, Mercready said.  The fire cause remains undetermined since Novak was not able to interview the victim.

The fire originated in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, according to Mercready. No damage was reported to the restaurant and the vehicle was removed from the scene.


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