Cause Of Fatal Belmar Fire Still Not Determined: Prosecutor's Office

The cause of the 14th Avenue fire in Belmar that killed a father, son and the family dog has still not been determined, a spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said.

"The cause of the fire is undetermined, but the improper use or disposal of smoking materials nor an nearby electrical source could not be ruled out as a cause," said Charles Webster.

The victims were William Oberschewen, 84 and Mark Oberschewen, 49, and their dog.

Officials said earlier this week they did not believe the fire was suspicious.

Belmar police received multiple 911 calls about a fully-engulfed structure fire at a home on 14th Avenue around 9:38 p.m. on Monday evening, Webster said.

"The cause and manner of their deaths and their respective identities will be determined at autopsies slated for today," Webster said.

Neighbor Toni Bonjavanni said she was sitting outside when the house "just burst into flames," she told app.com.
The fire is under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, the Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office, Belmar police and the Belmar Fire Department, he said.

Fire companies from Avon and Wall also assisted.

Photo courtesy of News4 New York.