1 Month Later, Pitney Farm Fire Investigation Continues

MENDHAM TWP., N.J. – Nearly a month later, there are still no answers as to why the historic farmhouse at Pitney Farm caught fire.

As of Monday, March 21, the issue is still under investigation, according to Executive Captain Richard Rose.

At 2:37 a.m. a passerby called 9-1-1 and reported seeing smoke coming from the area. When firefighters arrived on scene they found the building fully engulfed in flames.

The structure is still standing, but looks to be a total loss and suffered a partial collapse.

The property has been a source of contention over the last couple years after a group of Mendham Township residents formed to save the area from rezoning and ultimately potential redevelopment.

The Friends of Pitney put together a business plan to thwart the rezoning efforts and offer the township with other uses for the land. In December 2015, the township committee voted against a rezoning plan that would have opened to the door to the building of six residential lots.

Pitney Farm includes a total of 12 acres. Records show the home dates back to 1722.