Fire chief suffers heart attack during large Mantoloking blaze

Mantoloking fire Chief Larry Gilman remains in the Intensive Care Unit and is listed in stable condition as of Sunday morning.

MANTALOKING -- Two firefighters were injured in a large blaze on Channel Lane Saturday night, including the borough's fire chief, who suffered a heart attack.

Police arrived at the home at around 6:15 p.m. after receiving a report of heavy black smoke and flames emanating from the house.

When officers arrived, the home was engulfed in flames, according to the Mantoloking Police Department. Officers determined no one was inside the home, but two firefighters were injured during the blaze.

Mantoloking police Chief Stacy S. Ferris said the homeowners were in Florida at the time of the fire. The house is a seasonal home, Ferris added. 

Mantoloking fire Chief Larry Gilman and a firefighter from Bay Head were both taken to Ocean Medical Center in Brick, police said.

The Bay Head firefighter, whom police did not identify, was treated and released. However, Gilman suffered a heart attack and remains in the Intensive Care Unit as of Sunday morning, Ferris said. 

Fire crews from the surrounding areas responded to the blaze. Among them were firefighters from Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant Borough, Bay Head, Brick, Mantoloking and South Wall Fire Rescue Company.

The fire is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal. 

Mantoloking police asked that residents stay clear of the area.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.