Owner Escapes, Dog Dies In Clark House Fire

CLARK, NJ — A Clark homeowner was able to escape a fire on Monday but the family dog did not survive.

At about 4:15 p.m. 911 calls reported a house fire on Jupitor Street in Clark where firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the back of the home when they arrived, Clark Fire Chief Frank Cerasa said.

"Fire crews hit the fire in the back of the house then attempted to make entry through the front door. Heavy heat and smoke kept crews at bay as they battled the fire from the exterior," Cerasa said.

It took about an hour to get the fire under control.

The home owner was able to escape the fire. Firefighters were able to get the family dog out of the home but it was too late, Cerasa said.

Multiple mutual aid companies including Union County Arson Squad, Linden and Rahway Fire Departments helped.

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