‘Careless’ Smoking Caused Deadly Fire In South Jersey: Police

NEW JERSEY - A weekend fire at a senior citizen housing development in Burlington that left one resident dead and dozens more without a home was caused by smoking, authorities said.

The Saturday morning fire was reported around 11:36 a.m. at the the J. Frank Budd Building, a 35-unit senior citizen housing development, Burlington police said.

A resident of the unit of origin, Brian Snively, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Burlington police. Another resident was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

An initial investigation revealed the cause of the fire to be “careless” smoking, police said Tuesday.

The fire displaced approximately 25 residents, police said, with assistance and housing being offered to those affected by the American Red Cross, County of Burlington Department of Human Services, City of Burlington Office of Emergency Management and Volunteers of America of Delaware Valley.

Those who have a loved one displaced in the fire may contact the Volunteers of America, Burlington for assistance at 856-261-0371 or Burlington police at 609-386-0262.