Fatal Fire Victim In Essex County Was Trying To Save Cats: Authorities

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The victim of a deadly home fire in West Orange suffered fatal injuries when she ran back into the house in an attempt to rescue her cats, authorities say.

On Tuesday, authorities released more details about the fatal fire, which took place Sunday at 4:27 a.m. on Valley Way. Read More: West Orange House Fire: Woman Pulled From Flames, But Later Dies

The victim, Cynthia Johnson, 66, was injured when she ran back into the home in an attempt to rescue her cats, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Johnson was transported to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where she was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. on Sunday, authorities said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Task Force and the West Orange police and fire departments are investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

West Orange township spokesperson Joseph Fagan previously released the following statement about the fire:

“The West Orange Fire Department responded at 4:27 a.m. to house fire on Valley Way. Fire department personnel were met with heavy fire in the basement and first floor. The homeowner self-evacuated and reported a female occupant that was trapped on the second floor. Crews subsequently rescued an unresponsive female from the premises, who was transported to [Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center].”

Fagan continued:

“The patient regained a pulse due to CPR that was initiated in route prior to arrival. She was transferred to the emergency room at the hospital and is currently reported in critical condition in the Burn Unit at SBMC. The homeowner who self-evacuated was later transported to [Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center] for exhibiting signs of smoke inhalation. The fire was stubborn and placed under control at approximately 6:30 a.m.”

Fagan added:

“Mutual aid from surrounding towns who aided in the effort with house coverage were released. There were no reports of firefighter injuries other than an early slip and fall on the ice that did not require treatment. The DPW arrived on scene and were able to prevent subsequent concerns about icy conditions with salt. The home has been declared inhabitable and the premises will be secured. Neighbors at the scene were able to provide warm clothing for the homeowner, who remained at the scene during fire suppression efforts before he was transported to the hospital.”

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