WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A house was destroyed by fire Monday morning in Washington Township.
On April 20, at around 8:00 a.m., Officer David Marut was on routine patrol on East Mill Road when he observed dark smoke coming from the area of Mountain View and East Mill Road, police said.
Officer Marut responded to the area where he observed flames coming from the roof of a residence on Mountain View. At this time, Officer Marut requested that the Morris County Communications Center dispatch the appropriate fire companies as the fire had not yet been reported, police said.
Officer Marut quickly make contact with the residents on their front porch and assisted them with vacating the property, police said.
The fire quickly spread through the residence and moments later the structure was fully engulfed, police said.
The fire was extinguished and does not appear to be suspicious, police said.
The home belonged to former Washington Township Mayor Tracy Tobin, who passed away in February, leaving his wife and daughter with a total loss. Dottie and her daughter were not injured.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The Fairmount Fire Co., Long Valley Fire Co., Schooley’s Mt. Fire Co., Long Valley First Aid Squad were assisted by Chester, Flanders, Califon, Hackettstown Fire assistance at the fire scene. The Pottersville and Tri- County Fire Companies stood by at the Fairmount and Schooleys Mt. fire houses in case of another call in the township.
