Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer announced that a structure fire that broke out on Tuesday night on Mantoloking Drive (Jackson 21) in Jackson has been ruled accidental following a multi-agency investigation.

According to the prosecutor, the Jackson Township Police Department and the Jackson Township Fire Bureau responded to the fire at approximately 7:05 p.m. on February 3, 2026. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed heavy fire conditions in the end unit of a multifamily structure.

Officials said the building was under construction at the time and did not have any utilities connected.

An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, the Jackson Township Fire Bureau, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit determined that the fire originated in the center hallway on the first floor.

Investigators concluded that the blaze was accidental and likely caused by a propane convection heater that had been placed too close to combustible materials.

In his statement, Billhimer acknowledged the cooperative efforts of the participating agencies, citing their joint work in determining the origin and cause of the fire.

No injuries were reported, and authorities did not indicate that any criminal activity was involved.