By John Burton
SHREWSBURY – Area firefighters were on the scene of a Monday afternoon fire at 469 Sycamore Ave.,that destroyed the yellow frame home.
“It’s a total loss,” said Shrewsbury Fire Chief Pete Gibson.”We’re probably going to have to knock the house down.”
More than 40 firefighters were on the scene of the fire. Mutual aid was called and fire companies from Little Silver, Rumson, Red Bank, Tinton Falls, Sea Bright, West Long Branch, Long Branch and Eatontown were among those that responded.Investigators from the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office were also at the scene, according to Gibson.
Water pressure was a problem because the area has only one water main, Gibson said.
When firefighters arrived following the 1:15 p.m. alarm, the fire “was already in the walls,” Gibson said. Flame were already traveling from the first floor to the roof, he said. “It was a lot of fire.”
No injuries were reported. The chief was unsure if anyone was home when the fire started.
The fire was declared under control at about 5:15 p.m. Gibson estimated firefighters would be at the scene for at least another three hours.
The gracious older home is owned by the Rich family.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
