December 15, 2022
NEPTUNE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 2:30 a.m., Neptune City received a call for structure fire at 401 W Sylvania Ave, Neptune City, NJ. at the Brighton Arms Apartments. When firefighters arrived, the first due engine reported heavy fire from apartment 3A on floors 1 & 2. It was quickly upgraded to a working fire assignment and transmitted a full first alarm. Neptune City crews were first due and worked aggressively on the fire and also were able to rescue one victim with minor injuries. The fire quickly spread due to wind and fire conditions throughout the building.
The fire was quickly upgraded to a 2-Alarms sending additional resources from surrounding communities to the scene.. Asbury Park Fire Department Tower 83-89 set up aerial operations along with Wall Township 52-2-90. Avon by the Sea Ladder 86-1-90 was on the front left side of building. Belmar Hook & Ladder 87-1-90 also responded to the scene. Multiple hand lines were stretched and placed in operation. Two Master Streams were also used to darken the flames. Fire crews operated for around 3 hours this morning.
The Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire. There were no reports of the cause of the fire at this time.
Earlier this morning, the Neptune City Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the Brighton Arms apartment complex. Upon arrival of the fire department, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions in multiple apartments. Off duty FF Franklin Doremus were among those firefighters on scene. As the firefighters started to extinguish the fire, a victim was seen from a first floor apartment window. Without hesitation FF Doremus entered the apartment in zero visibility to search for the victim. Upon finding the victim, FF Doremus pulled them to safety out of the apartment. Once outside the apartment, Wanamassa Fire Company Chief Nick Dowling assisted with getting the victim to EMS to be transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The members of the Neptune Uniformed Firefighters Local 2691 are extremely proud of FF Doremus for his actions, resulting in the victim surviving.
