Photos From Fatal North Middletown House Fire

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here are photos from the fatal house fire Friday night on Dakota Avenue in North Middletown, where a 71-year-old man was found deceased inside the home.

These photos were taken by Laurie Kegley, the public information photographer for the all-volunteer Middletown Fire Dept.

The fire broke out at 7:54 p.m. Friday, April 2 and the small home was quickly engulfed in flames within minutes. Middletown firefighters were able to put the fire out, but the body of the deceased resident, John Dowd, 71, was located inside the home by firefighters.

The body of his deceased dog was found inside the home as well, the Asbury Park Press reported.

While a cause has not been released, the fire does not appear suspicious, according to their report.

Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is asked to contact Detective First Class Albert Scott at (732) 615-2120 at the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office.

Original Patch report: Middletown Man, 71, Dies In House Fire Friday Night

Approximately 45 firefighters from three companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department responded to the call from Belford Engine, East Keansburg and Port Monmouth Fire Companies. The MTFD Air Unit and the Safety Unit responded. Middletown Township Emergency Medical Services provided medical services to all firefighters. Fifteen EMS providers from Fairview, Middletown Leonardo and Port Monmouth First Aid Squads provided medical and rehab services. No firefighter injuries were reported.

All units operated safely under the supervision of Middletown Township Fire Department Fire Chief John Friedman.

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