Fire destroys garage, cars in Toms River

A raging overnight fire that incinerated a two-car garage in Toms River garage - and two cars alongside it - is under investigation this morning.

Arson detectives have been summoned to help determine the origin and cause of flames that engulfed the detached 20-foot-by-20-foot structure on Dickinson Avenue, reported at about 12:30 AM.

Flames also destroyed a 2013 Lincoln MKX and a 2014 Cadillac SRX.

According to police, Patrolman Michael DeRosa was first on scene and reported flames rising 50 feet skyward from the fully-engulfed garage, spreading to the cars and several trees.

Officers roused and evacuated the owners, Barbara and Glenn McDowell, and people in neighboring homes as a precaution.

Toms River Fire Companies 1 and 2 and East Dover firefighters kept the blaze from spreading beyond the property, police said.