Update: Victim identified in fatal Sussex County fire; preliminary investigation indicates accidental cause
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – The victim of the fatal fire in Sparta Township on Thursday morning has been identified as 78-year-old Wayne Pait, a resident of the township.
On Oct. 10, at around 8:24 a.m., the Sparta Township Police Department received a report of a fire at 132 Sawmill Road. Officers quickly responded and found smoke billowing from the residence. Upon arrival, they learned that Pait was still inside the home. Despite their efforts to enter, the officers were forced back due to the heavy smoke and flames, police said.
Three family members managed to escape with the assistance of patrol officers and were transported to Newton Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. Two officers at the scene were also evaluated for minor smoke inhalation but were cleared to return to duty shortly thereafter, police said.
The Sparta Fire Department, alongside the Ogdensburg, Andover, and Jefferson Fire Departments, responded swiftly to extinguish the blaze, police said.
Following a preliminary investigation by Sparta detectives and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, it has been determined that the fire was accidental, with no signs of suspicious activity. Investigators believe the fire may have originated from an LED flashlight that was accidentally left on overnight. The heat from the flashlight is thought to have ignited a small rug, allowing the flames to spread while Pait was asleep, police said.
While the LED flashlight is considered a potential ignition source, investigators have not conclusively determined the exact cause of the fire, so the official cause remains classified as undetermined, police said.
The community is mourning the loss of Pait, and the Sparta Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant about potential fire hazards in their homes.
