Careless smoking suspected in fatal fire that claims lives of family of 4, with grandmother injured.
Improperly Discarded Smoking Material Not Ruled Out as Cause of Lacey Township Fire
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)– In a tragic incident that occurred on August 1, 2023, a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene to find a fully engulfed two-story structure fire, leaving little hope for the occupants inside.
Brenda Wright, 67, was one of the fortunate ones to be rescued from the rear of the burning residence. She was immediately transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, where she remains in stable condition. However, tragedy struck as it was confirmed that there were four additional victims, who perished in the fire. Jennifer Wright, 39, Alaina Wright, 34, a 14-year-old female victim, and a four-month-old infant were among the occupants and tragically lost their lives.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer expressed his condolences, stating, “This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims.”
Following a thorough investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, it has been determined that the fire originated on the porch on the west side of the structure. The investigation also revealed that improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.
Prosecutor Billhimer announced, “The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.”
Prosecutor Billhimer expressed his gratitude to all the agencies involved in the investigation, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collective and collaborative efforts.
Furthermore, Prosecutor Billhimer extended appreciation to the neighbors, fire service personnel, and emergency service personnel who responded promptly to offer their assistance and help suppress the fire.
As the investigation continues, questions regarding the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the improper disposal of smoking material will be answered, providing the affected families and community with a clearer understanding of this devastating incident.
Source: midjersey.news
