Route 166 Plaza Fire Still Under Investigation

A  in a near Old Freehold Road and James Street on Route 166 is still under investigation, according to Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Chief John F. Lightbody.

The fire is being probed by Inspector Charles W. Bauer with the investigation ongoing to determine how the fire started and why.

The fire occurred in the plaza containing the Wizard O'Wash laundromat, Attilio's Pizza and Goodyear on Route 166, causing heavy damage to at least four businesses. Firefighters at the scene said the building's metal, corrugated roof exacerbated the blaze, trapping heat inside as they worked to quench the fire.

Firefighters from 25 companies across Ocean County worked in extreme heat for more than two hours to contain the blaze, as roads were shuttered and traffic detoured. One firefighter was hospitalized from heat exhaustion, although cooling stations were set up to relieve the first responders.