Tom River House Fire Displaces Residents and Kills Family Dog

Toms River Fire Officials are investigating a blaze that left a home on Lagoon Drive West uninhabitable and the family dog dead Monday.

Police say homeowner, Joseph Degeorge contacted 9-1-1 as he and his son fled the house after trying to extinguish the fire that started in a bedroom at around 2:30 p.m.

Police say fire companies from Silverton, Pleasant Plains, Toms River 1 & 2 and East Dover responded and quickly extinguished the fire. However, the residence has been deemed uninhabitable by Toms River Fire inspector John Novak.

The victim's dog was located in the house by members of the fire department and treated at the scene but unfortunately did not survive the fire and was turned over to Toms River Animal control.

The family escaped unharmed and is now staying with relatives nearby.