By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a New Year’s Eve incident in Berkeley Township in which seven juveniles were injured when a flash fire ignited in an outdoor firepit at a North Trenton Avenue residence.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, when Berkeley Township Police, Fire, and Emergency Services responded to the home for a report of multiple burn victims.
Emergency personnel determined that the victims were injured when the firepit suddenly ignited.
Two of the juveniles were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where they were treated and released.
A third juvenile was taken by her parents to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and was also treated and released.
The remaining juveniles refused medical attention and were released to their parents.
The incident remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Arson Squad, the Berkeley Township Police Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit.