Early Morning Fire Extinguished At Lacey Apartment Complex: Police

LACEY, NJ — A fire at an apartment complex in Forked River was extinguished early Thursday morning before any major damage could be done, police said.

A structure fire at Heritage Apartments on Newark Avenue was reported around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Lacey police said in a release.

Police saw flames on the back exterior of the building, just behind the main lobby, and smoke was seen throughout the building.

Luckily, the fire was quickly extinguished by the apartment's sprinkler system, and the Forked River Fire Department determined that it had not spread, according to police.

The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, Waretown Fire Department, and Bayville Fire Department all arrived on scene to assist. The Lacey Township First Aid Squad and Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad were also there to assist.

Officials coordinated a partial evacuation of the building while the smoke condition was cleared, police said.

The building was deemed habitable, and residents were able to return to their residences, police said.

The fire appears accidental, according to police, and the investigation into its origin is ongoing.