Fatal Newark Fire ‘Doesn’t Appear To Be Suspicious’: Officials

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities say a fatal fire that took place on Summer Avenue in Newark last week “doesn’t appear to be suspicious.”

A two-alarm fire broke out at the 2.5-story home at 5:54 a.m. on Oct. 2. It claimed the life of a victim found on the first floor of the building, and injured four other people. Four families needed to be relocated and two dogs were also found deceased at the scene, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office stated.

On Monday, authorities identified the deceased man as Jorge Lemus, 58, of Newark.

Another man who was taken to the hospital with serious injuries is in “critical but stable” condition, authorities said.

“The cause of the fire remains undetermined,” prosecutors said. “The preliminary investigation, however, indicates that the fire started in first-floor bedroom and it does not appear to be suspicious.”

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Fire Division arson unit continue to investigate, authorities said.

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