UPDATE: nj.com is reporting a fatal fire that tore through a Shore Drive home Tuesday morning was ruled accidental, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
HIGHLANDS, NJ - A fire this morning claimed the life of a Highlands woman, according Highlands Fire Department Senior Lieutenant Michael Armstrong. The structure fire was reported by a neighbor about 8:00 am Tuesday. Police and firefighters responded immediately. The fire was contained within an hour or so according to Lt. Armstrong. A man made it out of the house alive but two cats and a dog also perished in the fire.
A video by John Schneider is available here:
[youtube height="350" width="350" align="none"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTYU4qo66x0[/youtube]
The home at 107 Shore Dr. is owned by John Sakariassen according to County tax records. Neighbors say a woman named Alice was living at the house.
The Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is also investigating because a death was involved.
Responders included the Highlands Police Department, Highlands Fire Department, and Highlands First Aid Squad. Responding to mutual aid in a structure fire were Community Fire Department and Navesink Hook and Ladder Company.
