The fire at a Lakewood building which left dozens displaced, was intentionally set, officials told TLS.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit and the Lakewood Police Department are continuing the investigation into the Lexington Avenue Apartments fire, but the fire has been deemed arson.

“The scene examination conducted by the above partnering agencies, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU and Fire Marshals Office, determined that the fire was intentionally set,” the Prosecutor’s office said.

As reported prior, on Thursday, August 2, at 11:27 pm, the Lakewood Police and Fire Departments were dispatched for a structure fire at 601 Lexington Avenue. The rooming house fire was contained to the front wall of the 3 story rooming house and would ultimately displace 29 adults and 8 children who were evacuated from the building.

Today the partnering agencies are asking anyone with information regarding the fire call OCPO Arson Unit at 732 929-2027 Ext. 3953 or the Lakewood Police Department Detective Bureau at 732 363-0200. Caller’s info and identity with be kept strictly confidential.