Essex Fells Councilman's Home Destroyed in Fire

A fast-moving fire destroyed the home of an Essex Fells councilman Sunday night.

Firefighters were just clearing the scene of Councilman John King’s home at 145 Devon Road on Monday morning after working through the night to control the fire, which appears to be accidental, according to Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent Kulik.

John King and his family, including wife, Kelly, and their three children are reportedly uninjured. Also unharmed are family and friends who were at the house for a surprise birthday party when the fire was reported shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday.

King, a volunteer firefighter in Essex Fells, was evaluated on the scene after inhaling smoke while trying to help guests out of the house.

“He has nothing left,” Kulik said Monday morning. “Everything was totally consumed.”

The chief estimated as many as 100 firefighters from Essex Fells, Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell, Fairfield, Roseland and Verona . Kulik said the main fire was knocked down in about an hour, but hot spots continued to flare up as late as 8 or 9 Monday morning.

When firefighters arrived, a car in the driveway was engulfed in flames and flames could be seen shooting out the windows of the attached three-car garage, according to Kulik. The chief said the BMW wagon—which was parked just a few feet from the garage—is possibly the origin of the fire, which remains under investigation. Two other cars in the driveway were also destroyed.

Kulik said once the fire got air it spread quickly from the garage to the top floor of the two-and-a-half story frame house. Firefighters doused the house with water from trucks, but also had to enter the burning structure in order to reach certain spots.

The West Essex First Aid Squad was on the scene evaluating firefighters and making sure they stayed hydrated.

Police officers from Essex Fells, North Caldwell, Verona and Fairfield were also on the scene. Devon Road was blocked from Oval Road to Holten Lane and firetrucks lined Devon and neighboring roads.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office also responded to review the scene. It is believed at this time that the fire is not suspicious.

According to the chief, the Kings will be staying with family.

The chief said the last house fire this serious in Essex Fells happened back in 2001.