BELMAR, NJ — A 93-year-old woman died in a house fire Wednesday in Belmar, according to the Belmar volunteer fire department and multiple media reports.
He died inside his own house when it caught fire.
The fire broke out inside a three-story Surf Avenue, at 18th Avenue, home around 4:01 pm Wednesday, according to Goodwill Hose Co. Station 87 in Belmar.
When firefighters got there, they found heavy flames throughout the three-story, Victorian-style home. The wind was so strong, the fire spread, and volunteer firefighters tried to get inside and save the old woman, who was trapped.
“Unfortunately, due to a well-advanced fire, members were unable to enter the structure,” they wrote. “Our deepest condolences and continued prayers to the family for their tragic loss.”
Kevin Colie, 58, said in Asbury Park Press his mother, Frances Colie, 93, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The fire was so great that mutual aid was called from many surrounding towns.
News 12 It was also reported that there was a second person inside the house who escaped and survived, but the elderly woman did not.