FATAL FIRE in Ocean TWP

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and [email protected].  

On Friday, March 9, 2018, at approximately 2:55 am, a tent fire was reported at 140 Seneca Boulevard in the Township of Ocean. Upon their arrival, police and fire units found the fire had completely consumed the tent.   A male victim, 51 years of age, was found deceased within the tent.

Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigations, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office and Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau were requested to respond to conduct a scene examination into the origin and cause of the fire.

The subsequent investigation determined the fire origin was located on the ground of the east side of the tent.  The cause of the fire is ruled accidental.  Improper use of a space heater, within close proximity to available combustibles could not be eliminated as the contributing factor.