August 2, 2023

Ocean County House Fire Claims Four Lives, Including Infant – Authorities Rule Incident Accidental

By Gerald D'Ambra

In a devastating incident that has left a New Jersey community in shock and mourning, a house fire in a residential neighborhood claimed the lives of four individuals, including an infant. The authorities have since ruled the fire as accidental.

The blaze erupted on the evening of August 1, 2023, at a residence located in Lacey Township, engulfing the home in flames within minutes. Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, responded to the scene, but the intensity of the fire made it challenging to rescue the occupants inside. Tragically, four lives were lost in the blaze, with the victims identified as 39-year-old Jennifer Wright, 34-year-old Alaina Wright, a 14-year-old girl, and a four-month-old baby.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation in the immediate aftermath of the incident, with authorities and fire investigators combing through the charred remains of the house to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the fire. Following a thorough examination, the investigators have determined that the fire was accidental in nature. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical fault within the house.

About the Author

Gerald D'Ambra
Co-Founder

Gerald D’Ambra is co-founder of On New Jersey.

Throughout his career in TV, Gerald has led projects developing shows for Cox Broadcasting, Sinclair, Fox, and Discovery Scripps. He is a former marketing and communications executive with a global technology company and a former TV News Anchor, Reporter, and Executive Producer.

Gerald led communications and marketing projects for global brands and secured national and local media placement. He has been nominated for Emmy Awards and won multiple AP awards for journalism.