Ocean County Marina Catches Fire, Two Employees Injured

TOMS RIVER – A commercial building at a local marina in Toms River caught fire Friday morning, leaving two employees injured, officials said.

Around 10:30 a.m., units from Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Pleasant Plains Fire Department, and East Dover Fire Company responded to 120 Kettle Creek Road in the Silverton section of Toms River regarding a structure fire.

A working fire was found inside one of the repair garages on the property. As a result, the fire was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing in resources from all Toms River fire companies.

The automatic fire sprinkler system was able to hold the fire shortly after it was reported, Chief Inspector and Fire Official Matthew Janora said. Crews swiftly arrived and extinguished the blaze. Additionally, crews ventilated the building and operated on scene for about two hours.

Crews from Island Heights and Breton Woods Fire Company provided coverage, officials said.

Two business employees suffered minor injuries and one was transported by Toms River EMS for further evaluation, Janora said.

Due to the conditions of the structure, the Berkeley Emergency Response Team’s Hazmat Unit and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were both notified. The building was deemed unsafe by the Toms River Building Department.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, initial findings indicate that the fire was accidental, Janora said.