Fire that destroyed LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant in Mount Olive ruled not suspicious but remains under investigation
MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A three-alarm fire that destroyed the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant last week has been ruled not suspicious, according to Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carrol.
The fire occurred at 11:54 p.m. at the LongHorn Steakhouse located at 50 International Drive South in the Flanders section of the township.
“Shortly after PD arrived on scene, the officer confirmed a working structure fire, and citywide was dispatched. First arriving crews from Flanders and Budd Lake went to work with multiple lines in operation. Heavy fire was found throughout the building above the drop ceiling,” Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad posted on their Facebook page.
“The roof became compromised with the weight of the AC units and all crews were evacuated. The building was unsafe to re-enter after the fire was extinguished by defensive operations,” the post said.
“Unfortunately the fire at the LongHorn Steak House could not be brought under control, and the building had to be demolished due to the extensive damage. Incredible efforts were made by the Flanders Fire Department, Budd Lake Fire Department, and the surrounding mutual-aid companies, according to the Mount Olive Township Fire Marshal’s Office.
An excavator came in to demolish the building and crews extinguished the remaining hot spots.
According to reports, three firefighters were injured.
“The fire scene investigation is complete and the cause is undetermined at this time. Although the fire is deemed not suspicious, the overall investigation remains ongoing,” Carrol said.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson & Environmental Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s Office and Flanders Fire Department.
