Partial collapse occurs while firefighters search Jersey Shore house on fire
Image courtesy of the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company.
Firefighters escaped injury last night when a partial collapse occurred as they were searching an Ocean County house during a fire, officials say.
The fire on Bengal Boulevard in Barnegat broke out shortly after 7:30 p.m., according to a release from the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company.
A responding assistant chief saw flames on the house’s roof and called for additional resources.
At that point, neighbors told firefighters that the house was vacant but several minutes later said someone had been staying in the house, the release said.
Firefighters entered the structure to search for possible victims, and that’s when a portion of the structure partially collapsed, according to the release.
A “mayday” alert was called until the fire commander could account for all firefighters and their safety.
The fire company says the blaze was extinguished, without anyone suffering injuries, at 8:15 p.m.
Officials have not specified the extent of damage. The cause is under investigation.
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