Cause Of Dover Fire Remains A Mystery

DOVER, NJ — The cause of the massive Dover fire that destroyed multiple buildings and displaced dozens remains unknown, officials said.

The fire started in 19 West Blackwell Street, which previously housed El Parasio, a Honduran restaurant. Natural and incendiary causes have been ruled out, and authorities do not believe it was suspicious, but they still can't say exactly what caused it, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said. Officials did not say why they were unable to find a cause.

Investigators conducted interviews, looked at photos, and examined heat, smoke and fire patterns to try to determine the cause. The investigation into the cause of the fire is done, but the overall investigation remains ongoing.

The fire started in the afternoon of Oct. 22 and burned into the next day. One police officer sustained minor injuries; other than that, there were no reported injuries, Knapp said. In total, 52 agencies responded to the fire.

Six businesses were destroyed and 80 people were left without homes.

The destroyed businesses are:

• El Paraisa Restaurant / two overhead apartments – 19 West Blackwell Street
• La Notaria (notary public) – 17.5 West Blackwell Street
• La Bamba Grill Mexican Restaurant – 17 West Blackwell Street
• Four overhead apartments – 9 North Warren Street
• Taqueria Brenda Lee Restaurant – 7 North Warren Street
• Jocelyn Beauty Salon – 5 North Warren Street
• Barry's Luncheonette / four overhead apartments – 3 North Warren Street

The damaged businesses are:

• Morris Thrift Store – 11 North Warren Street
• Piñatas Las Flores (party supply store) – 21 West Blackwell Street
• Dover Discount Store & six overhead apartments – 23 West Blackwell Street

Officials have pledged to support all the affected residents in the coming months.

"The Mayor and representatives from the Town administration met with all the business owners affected by the fire today. The Town is committed to helping them through the insurance process and help in any way to recover," officials said.

Image via Nicolas Limanov