A Barnegat 82-year-old managed to escape flames that enveloped his house Tuesday afternoon. But it doesn't seem likely that it will be his home again any time soon, if at all.

Fire Engine (Townsquare Digital)
Fire Engine (Townsquare Digital)
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Benjamin Morrow was the only occupant of the Windward Drive dwelling that police learned was ablaze at about 4:39 PM. He was treated at Southern Ocean Medical Center for smoke inhalation and minor burns, ferried by Quality Medical Transport, police said.

However, the fire was intense enough to leave deep damage to Morrow's house and inflict minor damage on two nearby homes, according to authorities.

The Barnegat, Stafford Townsihp and Forked River volunteer fire companies were called in to knock down the flames.

Fire investigators continued the probe into Tuesday evening, leaving a portion of the street blocked for several hours. Barnegat police and the Ocean County Fire Marshal's office are tracing the cause and origin.

Police did not indicate in whose care Morrow would be, or where he would live, from this point forward.

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