Fire Burns Toms River Insurance Office
An fire burned through the Route 37 home of Allstate Insurance early on Saturday morning and has been ruled accidental.
Flames broke out around 3 a.m. according to Toms River Police in the the first floor of the house-like building located across from the Auto Lenders car dealership and Wawa on the eastbound side. Flames spread to the second floor as the East Dover, Toms River Fire Company #1 and #2 responded along with Island Heights
The fire has been ruled accidental according to the Asbury Park Press possibly due to a problem with electrical equipment.
The fire was brought under control around 5:25 a.m. and is considered a total loss. Police report no injuries.
The Shore News Network reports Route 37 eastbound was closed for several hours while fighting the fire.
According to the Allstate website the office is run by Vic Hatami.
Toms River Police, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Arson Unit along the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention are all investigating the blaze.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Toms River insurance building burns in early morning fire / Star-Ledger
- Toms River Fire Officials Continue Investigation Of Early Morning Fire/ Shore News Network
- Fire damages Allstate Insurance office in Toms River / Asbury Park Press