Fatal Fire In South Orange Under Investigation

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - A fire swept through a South Orange home early Friday morning claiming the life of one victim, authorities said.

Fire Departments from South Orange and surrounding municipalities successfully quelled the blaze on Ward Place but the fire took the life of one adult, according to officials.

The fire was reported shortly before 3 a.m. and first responders from the South Orange Fire Department found the home was engulfed in flames on multiple levels when they arrived, according to officials. Mutual aid, including Maplewood Engine 32, 3rd Platoon, launched an immediate fire attack and search and rescue mission with all responding companies participating.

One adult victim was found dead in an upper level of the home, authorities said. The identity of the victim has not been released by officials. The incident is being investigated by the South Orange Fire Department, South Orange Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Fire units from Livingston, Belleville, and Caldwell were assigned as cover departments at the South Orange Fire Headquarters during this incident.

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