Firefighters battle major house blaze at the Jersey Shore [video]

Firefighters are battling a major house fire that broke out in Ocean County Friday afternoon. 

The fire sparked around 3 p.m. at 1776 Kathleen Court in Toms River, said Ralph Stocco, Toms River Police Department spokesman.

The homeowner called 911 and reported that the fire was in the lower portion of her home and that flames were coming up from the stairs, according to Stocco.

She fled the house to safety with her children, the spokesman said. 

Upon the arrival of emergency personnel within minutes, the fire was already becoming out of control in the rear of the house, Stocco said. 

Firefighters from numerous nearby companies remain on the scene late Friday afternoon. Authorities haven’t said if any firefighters were injured. 

Stocco, who supplied the feature photo and video, says an investigation to determine the cause will be ongoing throughout the night.