Pets Die, Family Loses Everything In Early Morning Fire

SADDLE BROOK, NJ — A dog and two birds were killed and a family lost everything, as a fire swept through a Saddle River Road home early Tuesday morning.

Firefighters quickly brought the two-alarm blaze at the two-family home under control, but not before the family on the first floor lost everything, officials said.

Mayor Robert D. White said the fire started just before 4 a.m. in a first floor bedroom where a lamp was plugged into an electrical outlet. The fire does not appear suspicious, but authorities are still investigating.

Ten people live in the house. Everyone got out safely and there were no reports of serious injuries to any of the occupants, however a small Yorkie dog and two birds died in the blaze, White said.

"We're a close-knit community and anything we can do to help, we're going to do," the mayor said.

The Red Cross is assisting the family with lodging. Members of the community are asked to donate essentials, especially clothes, to the family.

Anyone wishing to donate can call White's office at 201-587-2903 or send a message through the township's Community Partnership program.

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