JACKSON — A resident and three dogs were saved from a burning home when members of the Jackson Police Department and Jackson Township Fire Station 55 (Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1) braved fire and smoke to save their lives.
Police said officers Edward Travisano, Anthony Riso and Jody Benecke were among the first individuals to respond to a fire at 464 Pfister Road just after 4 a.m. Nov. 11.
Upon their arrival, the officers observed flames covering the rear and roof of the house. Smoke was billowing from other areas of the home.
Police said two residents escaped the fire, a woman and a young girl. They told the officers a 43-year-old wheelchair-bound man was trapped in his first-floor bedroom.
Police said Riso entered the home and found the man, but was unable to move the resident because of the man’s medical condition and the presence of items in the bedroom that were blocking the way.
Riso left the house so as not to be overcome by smoke inhalation, according to police.
At about that time, Station 55 Assistant Chief Timothy Carson arrived and was preparing to enter the home.
Riso, who had experience as a volunteer firefighter, put on breathing apparatus and entered the home with Carson. They located the man and guided him to a window on the first floor. At that point, he was assisted out of the home and to Travisano.
During the man’s rescue, firefighters worked to keep the fire from making its way to his bedroom.
Police said one dog was found in the home and brought outside.
Travisano located a second dog in a different room, but the dog would not come out. At that point Riso entered the home for a third time and carried the dog to safety.
Subsequent to that, firefighters entered the home and rescued a third dog.
Police said the fire was deemed to be under control by 5 a.m.
Firefighters from the Whitesville and Cassville fire companies responded to the blaze, as did members of the Jackson Township First Aid Squad, the Howell First Aid Squad, the Ramtown First Aid Squad and the Southard, Adelphia and Freewood Acres fire companies.
The man, whose name was not released, was transported to CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township.
Police did not name the woman and the girl who escaped the burning residence on their own.
Carson, Travisano and Riso were transported to CentraState Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Travisano also received treatment for a back injury he sustained during the rescue attempt, according to police.
Two firefighters were treated and released after sustaining what were reported to be minor burns.
Police said an investigation by Ocean County Fire Marshal Bill Gee and Jackson Detective Scott Conover determined the fire was accidental. Officials believe a portable heater found near the rear of the home caused the fire.