Fire Official: Structure Fire Not Suspicious

A fire in a home on Route 202/206 Jan. 19 was reported by the township official as not suspicious after it woke a family in the early morning hours.

According to Bridgewater Township Police, a resident was awoken by his son at 1:26 a.m. because of the fire alarm activating and fire burning through the ceiling above the fireplace in the living room.

All residents of the house were able to exit and escape any injury, but Bridgewater Township Police Lt. Al Nicaretta said the house was deemed uninhabitable because of severe damage from the fire.

None of the houses nearby were damaged during the fire, Nicaretta said.

Police said the township fire official determined that the fire may have been caused by papers that were found to be lodged next to the flue in the attic.

Police are also investigating thefts in the township.

• Maria Costa, 56, of Asbury, was charged with shoplifting after she was found with $827 worth of merchandise from at 12:06 p.m. Jan. 18.
• Police are investigating a report from a Pinhorn Drive resident at 5:37 p.m. Jan. 20, who said that someone entered her residence and stole jewelery and an iPad, all valued at $2,640. Police said the resident reported the person may have entered the house through an unlocked front door.

For questions about this blotter, email audreyl@patch.com.