Elderly Woman Killed In 2nd Alarm House Fire In Union County

UNION, NJ — An elderly woman was killed in an accidental house fire on Wednesday night in Union Township, said Union Township Fire Chief Gregory B. Ricciardi.

On Feb. 14 at around 5:30 p.m., a called reported a house fire at 1120 Weber St. with a person trapped inside, said Ricciardi.

Union Township Firefighters arrived and found smoke showing from a 2.5-story wood-frame home. Police confirmed an elderly woman was trapped inside and a man who lived in the home was on the front lawn.

Heavy smoke continued to come from the windows and eaves of the home. Firefighters also found heavy fire in the bedroom which was extending into the attic area.

A second alarm was called due to the delay in finding the victim and the fire spreading to the attic. As a result, Hillside Engine, Elizabeth Engine, Elizabeth Truck and an Elizabeth Battalion Chief all came to help.

The victim, who was not identified, was later found in the fire room and dead on arrival, said Ricciardi.

The man who was outside was taken to Overlook Hospital with very minor injuries.

The fire was extinguished and Union County Investigation Unit, Union County Sheriff's ID Unit, UPD Detectives, Medical Examiner, and Building Department were requested to the scene.

The UC Investigation Unit investigated and deemed the fire was accidental.

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