Manchester apartment fire displaces residents, several pets killed

MANCHESTER — A fire engulfed a 16-unit apartment building on Welles Circle on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the displacement of residents and the deaths of several pets, according to Manchester Police.

Building 18 of the Suncrest Village Apartment complex caught fire around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, according to a news release from township police.

While evacuating residents, police learned a person was trapped on a second-story balcony, police said. The person, who was not identified, was rescued by firefighters at the scene, authorities said.

Police also evacuated nearby building 17 in the complex due to high winds.

"No injuries were reported at the time of the incident, however several pets perished in the fire," Manchester Police Capt. Vincent Manco said in the news release.

Manchester Police detectives and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating.

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Fire departments from Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Toms River #1, Pleasant Plains in Toms River, Berkeley, Bayville, Manitou Park in Berkeley, Cassville in Jackson and Pinewald Pioneer in Berkeley responded to the scene or contributed services.

First aiders from Manchester, Brick, Lakehurst and Toms River also responded.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Manchester NJ fire destroys apartment, person rescued; pets killed