Fatal Fire In Parsippany Under Investigation

PARSIPPANY, NJ - A fire in the apartments on Rutgers Lane claimed the life of one person Sunday afternoon, according to officials.

At approximately 12:34 p.m. the Deputy Chief of Parsippany District #5 Fire Department was in the Rutgers Village Apartment complex and observed an active fire at 162 Rutgers Lane.

He immediately contacted the Morris County Communications Center via radio and multiple area fire departments were dispatched to the scene, along with EMS, officials said. Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, Parsippany Fire District 4 and Parsippany District 5 Fire Departments were able to contain the fire and knock it down shortly after 1 p.m., officials said.

"We can confirm that a deceased person was located inside one of the affected apartments," Parsippany Police Sergeant Brian Conover said, noting that two apartments were heavily damaged during the fire and the Red Cross was on scene providing assistance.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Parsippany Fire Investigator Patrolman D. Cavaliere and Parsippany Detective A. Morelli are currently investigating the fire, officials said.

Mutual aid responders included Morris Plains, Boonton, Montville and Whippany firefighters. The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department took on a cover assignment with Engine 13 and Chief 1 on standby by for approximately 90 minutes until D4 units returned.

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