Stafford Township, NJ – On April 24, 2025, at approximately 2:15 P.M., emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle fire at 1001 Vessel Lane in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that the fire had originated in the garage and had quickly spread to the attached residence, resulting in significant damage to both the home and the vehicle.

Stafford Township Police Department, Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Waretown Fire Department, Barnegat Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Stafford Township EMS responded to the scene. Stafford Township Fire Prevention and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office also arrived to assist with the investigation.

The residence had been vacant for several months. At the time of the incident, an adult male was working on a vehicle in the garage. While attempting to remove debris from the vehicle’s gas tank, an explosion occurred, igniting both the car and the structure.

The adult male sustained minor burns to his arm, was assessed by EMS on scene, and refused further medical treatment.

A joint investigation conducted by Stafford Township Fire Prevention and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be accidental in nature. The incident is not considered suspicious at this time.