One person is dead after a fire tore through a Toms River home, destroying it and badly damaging three other homes.

The fire started around 11 p.m. Friday at a home on 15th Street. Strong winds added fuel to the flames.

One house was completely burnt down while the sides on the homes next door were melted off.

Five people were inside the home at the time of the fire. A man and three children were able to escape, but a woman was not. Her body was found inside after the fire was put out. Her name has not been released.

Neighbors say the home was almost brand new, built in the last few years, and the family recently moved in. It's the second major fire in the neighborhood over the last year.

A Toms River police officer was transported to the Community Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.