SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J. (Somerset County) — Authorities are investigating a fatal three-alarm house fire that claimed the life of a female resident early Friday morning in South Bound Brook.
Firefighters and police responded at approximately 3:46 a.m. June 19 to a report of a residential fire on Howard Avenue, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
The fire escalated to three alarms, prompting a response from numerous fire departments throughout Somerset and Middlesex counties. Emergency medical personnel and additional law enforcement agencies also assisted at the scene.
One resident was transported to a local hospital with injuries sustained in the fire. A firefighter suffered minor injuries, was taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been released, authorities said.
Neighboring homes on Howard Avenue sustained minor exterior damage.
During the investigation, fire officials and detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit located a female occupant inside the residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded to assist. Authorities said a postmortem examination will be conducted to positively identify the victim and determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation is being conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit and Major Crimes Unit, along with the South Bound Brook Police Department and fire officials.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the South Bound Brook Police Department at 732-356-0087. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the STOPit app or the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
