Manchester fire sends three to the hospital

Dinner left unattended on a stove is blamed with sparking a fire in a Manchester home on Buckingham Drive Monday night that sent a female resident and two Township police officers to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to authorities.

Officers Brian Collins and Matthew Juralewicz arrived at the scene around 5:30 p.m. and are credited with helping two residents of the home get out safely in heavy smoke conditions.

Officer Arthur Cronk arrived shortly after and was able to shut down the power to the residence.

While searching the home, Officer Collins found a 59-year-old woman in a rear bedroom that was filled with dark smoke. He was able to get her to safety.

The woman and Officers Collins and Juralewicz were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River and treated and released for complaints related to smoke inhalation.

The blaze damaged some parts of the stove and kitchen area, and the smoke engulfed approximately 60 percent of the house.

The Manchester and Ridgeway Fire Companies responded and ventilated the residence so the occupants could remain in the dwelling.