The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is investigating a fatal tent fire in Ocean Township.
Firefighters responded to 140 Seneca Boulevard in the Township of Ocean Friday at approximately 2:55 a.m. for a report of a tent fire.
Upon their arrival, police and fire units found the fire consumed the tent, killing a 51-year-old man who was inside the tent.
Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigations, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office and Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau were requested to respond to conduct a scene examination into the origin and cause of the fire.
The subsequent investigation determined the fire origin was located on the ground of the east side of the tent.
The cause of the fire was ruled accidental.
Improper use of a space heater, within close proximity to available combustibles, could not be eliminated as the contributing factor.