A residential fire believed to have started in a clothes dryer prompted an emergency response Wednesday evening, forcing the evacuation of a home on Northstream Drive in Toms River and leaving the structure temporarily uninhabitable.

Fire companies from across Toms River were dispatched to the residence at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday after an initial report of a dryer fire. As additional details emerged during the call, dispatchers quickly upgraded the response to a full structure fire assignment.

First arriving crews confirmed that a working fire was burning inside the home. Firefighters immediately launched suppression operations, moving quickly to contain the flames before they could spread further through the residence.

Officials said crews were able to bring the fire under control within a short time, preventing significant extension into other parts of the home.

All occupants of the residence safely evacuated before emergency personnel arrived, authorities said.

One emergency responder was evaluated and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was later released. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters also worked to remove several pets from the residence during the incident. While multiple animals were safely brought out, two cats remained unaccounted for as of Wednesday night.

Following the fire, the Toms River Building Department inspected the property and determined that the home is currently unsafe for occupancy.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Ryan LaVigne is leading the investigation with assistance from the Toms River Police Department. Preliminary findings indicate the blaze was accidental.