Fire Kills Man And His Dog, Destroying Duplex In Burlington Co.

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man and a dog were killed in a house fire early Saturday in Burlington Township.

A duplex became fully engulfed in flames around 12:45 a.m. on the 900 block of Beverly Road, police said.

One resident — Kenneth Jones, 64 — was unable to escape and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. His family's dog also died, according to a GoFundMe supporting Jones's wife, Vicki Jones.

All other residents, including Vicki, safely evacuated. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which destroyed the duplex.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it doesn't appear to be suspicious, authorities said.

The GoFundMe has generated $5,500 toward its $8,000 goal as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Donations support funeral expenses and Vicki Jones's immediate needs, such as housing and clothing.

"Vicki is facing not only the loss of her husband and beloved pet, but all of her earthly belongings besides the clothes on her back," the online fundraiser says. "While friends and family can provide endless emotional support, Vicki needs to completely rebuild her life, as well as provide services for her husband Kenny."

Anyone with information on this incident can contact Burlington Township Police Det. John Arent at 609-239-5868.

Here's the GoFundMe link.