Loveladies, NJ (December 27, 2024) – A massive fire early Monday morning gutted a 5,500-square-foot bayfront mansion on Holly Drive in the Loveladies section of Long Beach Township. During cleanup efforts, an Ocean County Road Department worker suffered head trauma in a fall and had to be airlifted to a trauma center.
The fire was reported around 4:15 a.m., with firefighters encountering intense flames and severe freezing conditions that caused equipment and hoses to ice over. More than 100 firefighters from multiple departments, including Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, and Stafford Township, responded to the blaze. They worked through the challenges of limited access and extreme conditions to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring properties.
Two firefighters fell into a backyard pool obscured by melted pool coverings, but they were successfully rescued. The fire was so intense that it melted two jet skis on a nearby dock. Crews remained on-site until 4 p.m., returning later to address minor smoldering.
The home’s owners were in Hawaii at the time of the fire. No other injuries were reported apart from the road department worker, who was injured while securing an excavator to his truck. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal.
Our thoughts are with those injured in this difficult time.
Winter Fire Safety and Emergency Response Challenges
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of fires during winter months when extreme weather conditions can complicate firefighting efforts. Freezing temperatures not only hinder equipment but also create hazardous environments for emergency responders.
Residents are reminded to ensure proper maintenance of electrical systems and heating equipment, which are common culprits in house fires. Additionally, having an emergency evacuation plan in place can save lives during catastrophic events.
For more information or to receive help after a fire, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been affected by a fire, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.