Origins of Manchester House Fire Still Under Scrutiny

A brutally-hot fire that destroyed a Manchester house as well as an adjacent one last Thursday remains under investigation today by township and Ocean County investigators.

The probe has yet to establish the cause and origin of the flames that required six fire companies to knock down.

Police say that they were notified of the fire in the one-story dwelling on Morning Glory Lane, in the township's Whiting section, at about 4:45 PM. Officers Marc Micciulla, Michael O'Hara and Chris Walaszek reported that flames had enveloped the structure and were bursting through the roof.

After determining that the house was unoccupied, they evacuated nearby homes as firefighters of the Manchester, Ridgeway, Bamber Lakes, Lakehurst and Joint Base companies brought it under control.

The resident sought refuge with family members and friends, police said. The township Building Inspector also deemed the adjacent home unfit for habitation.

Police said that no one required hospitalization, but that several of those involved were given health checks by Quality Medical Transport personnnel.

Manchester PD Officer Christopher Hemhauser is investigating in collaboration with members of the Ocean County Fire Marshall's and Prosecutor's offices.