UPDATE: Firefighters Escaped Deadly Blaze With Seconds To Spare, Chief Says

by Patricia A. Miller

The firefighters had made down to the smoke-filled basement in the home at 96 South Main Street, in search of the victim reported to be trapped.

They were armed with a one-and-three-quarter inch hose. But they could not find the victim in time. The men soon realized a "flashover" was about to happen, Manitou Park Fire Chief Will Jubert said today.

Firefighters are trained to recognize flashover conditions - where hot gases rise quickly, pool towards the ceiling and anything in the fire area practically explodes.

"Everything in the room reaches its ignition point at the same time," Jubert said. "It's pretty much an unlivable situation. You know when you are inside what to look for. The guys aware it was about to happen and they got out just in time."

Dianna Norwood, 35, perished in the fire. She died of smoke inhalation, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, he said.

Five of the six firefighters injured in the blaze on Monday night have been released from Community Medical Center, he said.

Manitou Park former chief and current Lieutenant Joseph Jubert - Will Jubert's father - was released from the hospital today, according to the Manitou Park Fire Company's Facebook page.while further tests were being run.

"Lt. Joseph Jubert has been released from Community Medical Center," the page states. "Again, thank you for all the support given to us over the last couple days.

The home was destroyed in the fire, Jubert said.

The other injured firefighters include Manitou Park Capt. William Roberts, Manitou Park firefighters Kevin Curry and Richard Henniger, Bryant Curry and Ocean County Fire Coordinater Jay Sonnenfeld.

They were all treated for minor injuries and released from Community Medical Center Tuesday.