JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A fire caused heavy damage to the historic Ringling Manor in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson Township early Friday morning, according to police.
Officers were dispatched to 2 Manor Drive at approximately 7:12 a.m. on Nov. 14 after receiving reports of heavy smoke and a possible structure fire. Responding officers observed thick smoke coming from the top of the building. Police said no one was inside the structure at the time.
Fire crews arrived shortly afterward and were able to extinguish the flames and ventilate the building. The mansion, built in 1913 by Alfred T. Ringling of the Ringling Brothers Circus, sustained significant fire and smoke damage.
Jefferson Township police thanked multiple agencies for their response and support, including Jefferson Township Fire Companies 1 and 2, Milton First Aid Squad, Jefferson Township Office of Emergency Management, Hardyston Township Fire Department, Netcong Fire Department, Picatinny Arsenal Fire Department, Boonton Fire Department, West Milford Fire Department, Mount Arlington Fire Department, and the Morris County Fire Inspector.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Michael Ondish at 973-208-6153 or jmondish@jeffersonpolice.com.
