Stafford Township, NJ – On December 25, 2024 at approximately 6:30 A.M., a structure fire was reported at 200 Navy Lane in Ocean Acres.  Upon police arrival, the downstairs portion of the residence was engulfed in flames and the residents had evacuated along with their pets.  Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire with assistance from Barnegat Township Volunteer Fire Department.  The residence sustained significant damage as did a vehicle parked nearby.  Sections of Lighthouse Drive, Buccaneer Lane, and Atlantis Avenue were temporarily closed to through traffic.  Stafford Township, Barnegat Township, and Little Egg Harbor Volunteer EMS crews arrived on scene and no injuries were reported.  Stafford Township Fire Prevention officials and the Ocean County Fire Marshall responded, along with Stafford Township Departments of Water & Sewer and Public Works.  The investigation as to what caused the fire is ongoing; however, it does not appear to be suspicious in nature at this time.  The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the family.