A quadriplegic had to be rescued from his third-floor bedroom as an intense fire roared through his century-old home during the predawn hours, reports The Asbury Park Press.
James Fuller, the 58-year-old owner of the home, had to be helped out of his bed by his caretaker, police officers, and a firefighter, said Kevin J. Hayes Sr., housing inspector for Monmouth Beach and fire marshal for Long Branch.
The fire, which was upgraded to a second-alarm fire shortly after it was first reported around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, engulfed the home, with visible flames shooting through the roof. The fire was so fierce that Hayes Sr. said he had to pull firefighters from the building for their safety.
“The firefighters did a terrific job to try to get into it and knock it down,” said Hayes. “They really made a herculean effort to save the building, but they were overwhelmed by the amount of fire.”
Firefighters from Long Branch, Deal, Little Silver, Neptune, Oceanport, West Long Branch and Asbury Park, according to a statement from the Monmouth Beach Facebook page.
Firefighters extinguished the flames in under two hours, but some remained on the scene hours after to put out hot spots well after daybreak, Hayes Sr. said. They were called in again shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on reports of the fire rekindling.
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