Victim In Fatal Bayonne Fire Is Identified

BAYONNE, NJ — A two-alarm fire in a senior high rise claimed the life of an 82-year-old woman, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Around 7:30 a.m., firefighters were notified of smoke at 537 Avenue A, a senior apartment building, said the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

Irene Clark, 82, was taken to Hudson Regional Hospital in Bayonne and pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 a.m., prosecutors said.

The blaze also injured eight police officers and three residents Tuesday morning, officials said.

Fire Chief Keith Weaver said three residents of the building and eight police officers were taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Four other residents were treated at the scene and declined further treatment, Weaver said.

The blaze was declared under control by 8:17 a.m. and residents were allowed to return home.

The fire began in Clark's apartment, officials said.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bayonne police and fire departments are investigating, Weaversaid. The prosecutor's office said that their Regional Arson Task Force is investigating.

However, prosecutors said, no foul play is suspected in the blaze.