First responders in Manville have their work cut out for them following major flooding in the town, and at least two house fires.

Manville is surrounded by the Raritan River on all sides, and flooding has essentially cut off the town from the rest of the state. There is no safe way into or out of the town unless it is by boat as all roads are closed.

Local, county and state law enforcement officers, along with the United States Coast Guard spent most of the day rescuing people in town by boat. But there were many more still trapped in their homes as of Thursday evening.

To make matters worse, there were at least two house fires that officials had to contend with. One fire was reported on North Second Street, while another was reported on Boesel Avenue.

It is believed that the Boesel Avenue fire was caused by an explosion inside the home. This would be at least the third home in New Jersey that has exploded in the aftermath of Ida. A home in Rahway and a home in Somerville also exploded.