Fire Engulfs Home, Leads to Partial Collapse

Nobody was home when a fire tore through a Tilton Road residence early Friday morning.

Three township fire companies and one neighboring company responded to the blaze, which was reported to autohorities by a neighbor around 4:40 a.m., according to Brick Police Sgt. Keith Reinhard.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the home at 21 Tilton Road engulfed in flames, with the home next door, 17 Tilton Road, sufferring damage as well.

Police were able to contact the residents at 17 Tilton and evacuate them safely, Reinhard sald.

The home at 21 Tilton Road suffered severe damage and partially collapsed as a result of the fire, Reinhard said. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is being investigated by the Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety.

Making firefighting efforts more unpleasant was the fact that the roadway began to flood during the call, Reinhard said, though that "did not impede the efforts of emergency personnel who were responding to the fire."

Breton Woods, Pioneer Hose, Laurelton, Herbertsville and Point Pleasant Boro Fire Departments responded to battle the structure fire. Fire Departments from Point Pleasant Beach and Howell (Ramtown) were placed on standby to cover the rest of Brick.

EMS units also responded.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.