Millburn Fatal Fire Under Investigation (UPDATED)

MILLBURN, NJ - Investigators are searching for the cause of fire that claimed the life of one victim Wednesday evening, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

According to officials, the victim was removed from the second floor of the home and CPR was attempted. The identity of the victim has not been released, but property records indicate the home is owned by Dorothy Rizek.

According to an obituary published Jan. 4, 2014, Rizek was a 52-year resident of Millburn who died at the age of 91. She left behind a 64-year-old daughter, Justine Rizek.

The Millburn Fire Department called in mutual aid to help battle the blaze and the Maplewood NJ FMBA L-25 posted to their social media about the incident, noting that Engine 32 responded to the call and that it took many firefighters to assist on scene.

"Many people ask us why we continuously fight for proper staffing and supervision. Well, this is why. It took almost eight Firefighters to search, find and remove the victim from the fire. Our job is manpower intensive," the group posted to Facebook.

Maplewood Fire Chief Michael R. Dingelstedt lauded the efforts of all responders.

"A tremendous effort was made by all firefighters involved under extremely difficult conditions in rescuing the resident from the fire yesterday," Dingelstedt said. "It is unfortunate that she succumbed to her injuries despite the valiant efforts of the firefighters and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

The cause of the fire has not been determined but News 12 reported that a "hoarding situation" made fighting the fire more difficult.

This is a developing story and Patch will have more details as they become available.

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