Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention

06/12/2026

NOTICE

The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention office will be closed today from 11:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m. as our staff attends the funeral service of former Fire Commissioner George Convery Sr.

Commissioner Convery dedicated 30 years of service to the residents of Toms River as a Fire Commissioner, helping to guide and support the fire service throughout our community. We are grateful for his decades of commitment and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

During this time, office staff may have limited availability; however, inspectors will remain available by email and will respond to inquiries as soon as possible. Normal office operations will resume upon our return.

05/29/2026

The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is pleased to share an upcoming FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep Course hosted by Terrestrial Imaging in Toms River. This course is designed to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Exam and is ideal for public safety personnel, inspectors, contractors, and anyone interested in operating drones professionally.

For course information and registration, visit:

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04/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention
Date: April 17, 2026
Residential Structure Fire Involving Rooftop Solar Panel System

The East Dover Fire Company, along with Toms River Fire Company #2 (RIT) and Island Heights Fire Company, were dispatched to a reported structure fire with flames visible from the roof of a residence.
First arriving units reported smoke and flames coming from the roof area of a two story residential home. Crews initiated fire suppression operations and began investigating the source of the fire. Upon further assessment, firefighters determined that the fire originated within a solar panel system mounted to the rear portion of the roof.

While the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, units from East Dover and Island Heights quickly brought the fire under control. Due to the rapid extinguishment, additional responding units were canceled and returned to service.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Kappock is serving as the lead investigator.
As a result of the incident and the loss of electrical service to the home, the Toms River Building Department responded and posted the residence unsafe for occupancy.

The fire has been deemed accidental in nature and was determined to have originated from an electrical failure in the area of the rooftop solar panels.

Matthew Janora
Chief Inspector, Fire Official

04/15/2026

Thank you to for the donation of a wrap platter to our office. Your hospitality is appreciated!

04/14/2026

TOMS RIVER STRUCTURE FIRE RULED ACCIDENTAL

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 13, 2026, at approximately 10:50 a.m., the Toms River Township Police and Fire Departments responded to a residence on Tuyahov Boulevard for a report of a structure fire. First responders found that a female resident of the home had been rescued from the residence by a neighbor. Both individuals suffered injuries from the fire. The female was transported to Thomas Jefferson University Burn Center in Philadelphia where she is listed in stable condition. The neighbor was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River where he was treated and released. During fire suppression efforts, a firefighter sustained minor injuries; he was transported to Community Medical Center where he was treated and released.

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, revealed that the fire originated in a bedroom on the south side of the residence; the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, and failure of lithium-ion batteries could not be eliminated as the cause of the fire.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, for their collective efforts in connection with this investigation.

04/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Structure Fire
Toms River Township
04/13/2026

Earlier today, just prior to 11:00am, Toms River Fire Companies Stations 25 and 26, along with East Dover Fire Company Station 28, were dispatched to a possible structure fire. First arriving units confirmed active fire conditions and quickly upgraded the incident to a second alarm, bringing additional resources to the scene.

Fire department personnel initiated suppression operations and were able to bring the fire under control in a timely manner. The structure sustained heavy damage as a result of the fire. The Toms River Building Department responded to the scene and has posted the structure as unsafe for occupancy.

There were reported injuries associated with this incident; however, specific information is not available at this time.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspectors Britton and Kappock are the investigators for the Bureau, working in cooperation with the Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

We thank all responding fire companies and assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during this incident.

Matthew Janora, CPM
Chief Inspector, Fire Official

04/01/2026

🔥 Burning of Chometz – Community Notice 🔥
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention will be conducting today’s Burning of Chometz at two approved locations:
📍 Riverwood Park
📍 Toms River Fire Academy
🕗 Burning will take place from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fire Inspectors will be on site at both locations to monitor operations, and the Pleasant Plains Fire Department will be assisting at the Riverwood Park location.
⚠️ Please use caution when arriving and follow all instructions from on-site personnel.
🦺 Safety is our top priority for both participants and responders.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and wish the community a safe and successful event.

03/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Structure Fire
East Pelican Way – Ocean Beach Section
03/17/2026

Earlier today at approximately 7:30am, the Ocean Beach Fire Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire on East Pelican Way in the Ocean Beach section of Toms River.

First arriving units located fire on the exterior of the home in the area of the electrical meter panel. The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire as crews initiated suppression operations. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent extension beyond the structure.

The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The incident was first discovered by a neighbor who observed smoke in the area and contacted emergency services. No injuries were reported.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Benjamin Carlin is leading the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the fire to be accidental in nature, originating in the area of the electrical service to the structure.

The Toms River Building Department responded to the scene and has deemed the structure unsafe for occupancy at this time.

Responding and assisting agencies included Ocean Beach Fire Company, Seaside Heights Fire Department, Seaside Park Fire Department, Lavellette Fire Department, East Dover Fire Company, Toms River Fire Company #2, and the Toms River Police Department.

We thank all fire companies involved and our mutual aid, police, and support agencies for their prompt response and continued cooperation.

Matthew Janora, CPM
Chief Inspector, Fire Official
Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention

03/11/2026

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
Structure Fire
Northstream Drive
03/11/2026

Last evening at approximately 7:45pm, Toms River Fire Companies were dispatched to a residence on Northstream Drive for a reported clothes dryer fire. Based on additional information received by dispatch, the assignment was quickly upgraded to a structure fire response.

First arriving units confirmed a working fire within the residence and crews immediately initiated suppression operations. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and prevent further extension within the home. All occupants were able to safely evacuate the residence prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

One responder was evaluated and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and was later released. No other injuries were reported. Several pets were removed from the home, although two cats remain unaccounted for at this time.

The Toms River Building Department also responded to the scene and has deemed the structure unsafe for occupancy at this time.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention. Inspector Ryan LaVigne is the lead investigator, with assistance being provided by the Toms River Police Department. Initial findings suggest the fire to be accidental in nature.

Responding and assisting agencies included Toms River Fire Dept., Company #1, Toms River Fire Company 2, East Dover Fire Company, Island Heights Volunteer Fire Co. 1, Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, Toms River Police Department, Toms River Police EMS IAFF Local 4846, and the Toms River Township Government, New Jersey Building Department.

We thank all fire companies involved and thank our mutual aid, police, and EMS partners for their continued support and assistance.

Matthew Janora, CPM
Chief Inspector, Fire Official
Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention

03/06/2026

⏰ Daylight Saving Time Reminder ⏰

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, clocks will move forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reminds residents that this is a good time to check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

Properly functioning smoke alarms are critical for early fire detection and occupant safety. Residents should also test their carbon monoxide (CO) alarms at the same time to ensure they are operating properly and replace batteries as needed.

Important reminders:

Alarms with sealed 10-year batteries: These alarms are designed to last up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps indicating a low battery, replace the entire smoke alarm.

Alarms with replaceable batteries: Replace the battery at least once per year and immediately if the alarm chirps.

Use the correct battery: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the back of the alarm. Using a battery that is not specified by the manufacturer may prevent the alarm from operating properly.

After replacing batteries, test each smoke alarm to ensure it is working correctly.

Working smoke alarms provide the early warning needed to escape a fire safely. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention encourages all residents to take a few minutes this weekend to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.