Flames Damage Historic Morris Co. Mansion Built By Circus Pioneer

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A historic staple in Morris County was badly damaged Friday morning in a structure fire, according to police.

On Friday, around 7 a.m., Jefferson police were called to 2 Manor Drive in Oak Ridge, the site of the Ringling Manor, on reports of heavy smoke emitting from the top of the mansion.

Fire officials from Jefferson and neighboring municipalities were able to extinguish the fire and ventilate the smoke, but not before it caused damage to the historic structure.

Nobody was in the home at the time of the fire, authorities added.

The structure was built in 1913 by Alfred T. Ringling, co-founder of the Ringling Bros. Circus.

The three-story mansion features massive pillars, 14 fireplaces, and 26 rooms. It's been cemented as a historical building among the community, with guided tours and walkthroughs offered to this day.

The cause of the fire remains to be determined. Anyone with information on the structure fire is asked to call the Jefferson Police Department's Sgt. Michael Ondish at 973-208-6153 or email imondish@jeffersonpolice.com.