Firefighters battled a structure fire Thursday morning in the Silverton section of Toms River, prompting a multi-company response and a second alarm.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Silverton Volunteer Fire Company (Station 29), along with Pleasant Plains Fire Department (Station 30) and East Dover Fire Company (Station 28), were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Aldo Drive.
First-arriving units encountered smoke and fire coming from a two-story home. According to officials, the bulk of the fire was located at the rear of the residence, with flames extending to the roof and attic area.
Firefighters quickly stretched two 1¾-inch handlines to begin attacking the fire while additional crews conducted a primary search of the home to ensure no occupants were inside.
Due to the extent of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing additional Toms River fire companies and mutual aid resources to assist with firefighting operations.
Officials said no occupants were inside the home at the time of the fire. One dog was safely removed from the residence prior to the arrival of fire personnel, and no injuries were reported.
Crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
The scene was later turned over to the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention for an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation is being led by Inspectors Britton, Oeskovic, and Kappock. Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the fire appear to be accidental at this time.