Fatal Hoboken Fire Started In Glass And Vapor Shop: Prosecutor

HOBOKEN, NJ — A fatal Dec. 20 fire in Hoboken that took the lives of two artists likely started in a business called the Glass and Vapor House, The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday.

However, according to a spokesperson for the Prosecutor's Office: "The fire victims were found on the first floor of the building, but not in the business where the fire originated."

The fire began in the early morning hours of Monday, Dec. 20 and damaged a large former factory that held dozens of businesses and art and music studios. A pair of married artists who worked at local retail stores were later found deceased in the building.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said Wednesday that according to a preliminary investigation by the Regional Arson Task and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, "The fire began in the rear of the building at Glass & Vapor House LLC and the cause has been ruled an accident. Investigators believe the presence of flammable material within that business likely contributed to the fire."

Directories have identified the business as a CBD and vape shop. A phone call to the business led to an out-of-order message.

Prosecutors said that at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Dec. 20, a Hoboken police officer heard a loud explosion in the area of Jackson Street, in southwestern Hoboken.

First responders arriving at the scene found a fire at 38 Jackson St., near the Hoboken/Jersey City border.

Firefighters later found two victims: Rose Marie Vos, 60, and a 61-year-old man. (Prosecutors have not identified the man, but sources have identified him as Vos' partner, Alexander von Schlinke. A GoFundMe has been set up for both victims by Vos' sister.) READ MORE: GoFundMe Set For 2 Artists Who Died In Hoboken Fire

"The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office," said the prosecutor's office Wednesday.

They did not release further information.

Prosecutors have said they do not know why the pair were in the building at the time.

Friends commenting on the GoFundMe have said they knew the couple from around the building.

Vos had identified herself on various social media as a baker at Acme, a garden associate at Home Depot, and an "Experienced Owner of Vintage/Antique refinishing and reselling business."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office official website at https://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.

READ MORE: More Than 15 Businesses In Chambord Fire Seek Help

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