LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — Approximately 110 residents were evacuated from a nursing facility Monday after water damage rendered the building unsafe.
Little Egg Harbor police and fire personnel were dispatched to the Mystic Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on 9th Avenue at approximately 12:08 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2026, for an alarm activation.
First responders observed water flowing from ceiling locations throughout the building upon arrival.
Facility staff reported natural gas odors.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to the location, as they receive notification of alarm activations at nursing facilities.
NJ Natural Gas, the Little Egg Harbor Municipal Utilities Authority, Great Bay EMS, the Ocean County Fire Marshal, and local, county and state inspectors also responded.
An assessment determined no natural gas leaks were present.
Water damage to the building and the lack of potable water and fire suppression systems made the building unsafe to inhabit.
Facility managers and staff worked with first responders and emergency management personnel to coordinate the evacuation.
Residents were relocated to facilities throughout the state.
