Brick, Point Pleasant Firefighters Assist in Fighting Lakewood Blaze

Lakewood firefighters requested mututal aid from several towns during a structure fire at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday, police said.

Police officers were first to arrive at the scene at 420 Fifth Street after receiving a call about a building that was on fire, Lakewood police said in a statement. Upon arrival, the responding officers advised emergency services that the entire first floor of the vacant structure was engulfed in flames.

As Lakewood firefighters battled the blaze, it spread throughout the entire building, police said, at which time mutual aid assistance from the Howell, Jackson, Brick and Point Pleasant fire departments was requested.

Firefighters battled the fire through the early morning hours, with Route 9 being closed for about two hours. The residence at 417 5th Street were evacuated as a precaution and the Salvation Army was contacted for assistance.

There were no injuries reported.

The fire is currently under investigation by detectives from the Lakewood Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Det. Joseph Gregg at 732-363-0200 ext. 5341.