2 People Escape Toms River Fire, But Pets Perish

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Two people escaped injury but their pets perished in a fire that severely damaged a home at a townhouse complex in Toms River on Thursday, police said.

The fire at a townhouse on Orchid Court was reported about 10:20 a.m., said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

The two residents of the townhouse were able to escape and call 911, she said, but two dogs and a cat died in the fire.

Neighboring townhouses were evacuated as a precaution, and there were no human injuries, Messina said. A cat from an adjoining townhouse was rescued by Toms River Animal Control officers, she said.

The townhouse was fully involved when Toms River firefighters arrived but was brought under control and the adjoining homes were saved, Messina said.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family displaced by the fire, she said.

Toms River Fire Inspector Charles Bauer is investigating the cause, but it is not deemed suspicious at this time, Messina said.

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