Keyport Fire Remains Under Investigation

Toms River man arrested for working on structures without being properly licensed

Keyport– The Front Street fire that lead to injuries to 8 firefighters and a Salvation Army worker on Friday afternoon remains under investigation with the cause yet to be determined, according to Charles Webster, spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosectuor’s Office.

Andrew Mayer, 28 of Toms River, was charged with Working without a Permit, Working without a License, and Driving without a License, all disorderly persons offenses, after witnesses saw him working on the roof of 43 and 45 Front Street prior to the fire. He was released on his own recognizance.

Three structures have extensive fire damage: 43 West Front Street, front and rear, and 45 West Front Street. Buildings were all connected and included commercial and residential spaces with 3 apartments. Heavy equipment was eventually brought in to assist in firefighting fire down structure based on dangerous conditions.

About 200 firefighters were on scene and assisting. A total of eight (8) firefighters were hospitalized, plus a Salvation Army worker, due to injuries sustained at the fire. All were non-life threatening injuries. No citizen injuries were reported. The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are assisting residents with housing.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and its Office of Emergency Management, Mobile Command Unit (Field Comm), and Monmouth County EMS Task Force, as well as fire companies from Keyport, Aberdeen, Cliffwood Beach, NWS Earle, Hazlet, Holmdel, Matawan, Middletown, North Centerville, Sayreville, West Keansburg, and Union Beach responded to the scene.