A body found in a car in flames amid a large brush fire in Plumsted is under investigation by the Ocean County Major Crimes Unit and more than a half-dozen related agencies.

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Initial indications offer no sign of foul play, authorities said. The car was found Monday evening on the side of Hawkins Road, in the vicinity of Route 539 and the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, according to scant information from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities said that the remains were discovered in the driver's seat, issuing no details regarding the dead individual's identity, gender, approximate age, belongings possibly in the vehicle, possible presence of accelerant, or other circumstances that placed the car in the area. The cause and manner of death have not been determined.

Members of the Joint Base Fire Department spotted smoke and flames, and at about 7:12 PM pinpointed the brush fire, estimating it to have consumed about an acre, authorities said, adding that the car sustained "significant" fire and heat damage, inside and out.

Members of the County and State Fire Marshal's Offices, the County Medical Examiner's Office, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Plumsted Police are involved in the probe.

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