Federal ATF Bureau Joins Investigation Into Hoboken Fire That Killed 2 Artists

HOBOKEN, NJ — The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco has joined an investigation into a fire in a commercial Hoboken building last month that took the lives of two artists, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office confirmed on Wednesday.

HCPO spokesperson Caitlin Mota said, "I can confirm ATF is at 38 Jackson St. assisting the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with its ongoing investigation."

A Hoboken police officer first became aware of the fire at the former pudding factory after midnight on Monday, Dec. 20, when he heard an explosion, prosecutors said last month.

The fire department fought the blaze into the morning at the building, near the city's southern border with Jersey City. The former factory was full of small businesses and art and music studios, but no residences.

Rosemarie Vos and Alexander von Schlinke, artists who worked at Acme and Home Depot in Hudson County, respectively, died in the blaze. Vos' sister Barbara is raising money for their funeral.

Prosecutors would not confirm whether the pair worked in the building.

"Rose was my sister," wrote Barbara Stise on a GoFundMe. "My family and I were as shocked and saddened why what happened to Rose and Alex. They had been together for well over 40 years, they worked together & if you found one the other was never far off."

She added, "They loved each other they were creative, caring and loving to a fault."

Businesses And Studios Lost

Two days after the fire was put out, it flared up again.

More than 15 small businesses and artists have started fundraisers for their businesses and destroyed merchandise, and some of them have said they're not sure if they'll be allowed back into the building. READ MORE: More Than 15 Businesses In Chambord Fire Seek Help

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office has only publicly identified Rosemary, 60, as one of two deceased, saying they were still trying to locate next of kin of the other victim. But they confirmed the other victim was a man, 61.

Vos 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."

The century-old building — a former pudding factory — was set to be redeveloped.

Patch will publish updates when they're available.

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