Victim ID'd In Cranford Fatal Fire

CRANFORD, NJ - The Cranford Fire Department has confirmed the identity of the homeowner who perished in the fire that destroyed 155 Hillcrest Ave. early Sunday morning.

Philip Anter, 60, was found dead on the first floor of his home after responders were able to make entry, according to Cranford Fire Official and Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Matthew Lubin.

Anter was the owner and sole occupant of the dwelling, Lubin said.

Lubin told Patch that foul play was not a factor in the blaze and noted that an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire was initiated after the fire was suppressed.

"The investigation involves multiple entities and is still ongoing, however at this time the fire is not deemed suspicious and the cause remains undetermined," Lubin said.

According to Lubin, the scene suggests that the fire started on the first floor of the dwelling and said there was a significant degree of storage in the house, which can make firefighting difficult and can result in intense fire conditions.

According to a report on NJ.com, a group of residents appeared before the Township Committee back in 2009 to complain that Anter's property was covered in items and in a state of perpetual garage sale.

At the time, Health Officer Warren Hehl issued a summons for a violation of the property maintenance code and neighbors said their neighborhood eyesore remained without a solution, according to the report.

Lubin said it is unknown, due to damage, whether the home had working smoke detectors.

The home was destroyed by the fire and is expected to be demolished by the end of the week, Lubin said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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