PARSIPPANY — At approximately 4:19 a.m. on Wednesday,February 22 a fire was reported at 300 Parsippany Road, Colonial Heights Apartments.
Parsippany Police Officer Brian Conover, stated “that all apartments were successfully evacuated with the exception of one apartment. The 64 year old male occupant was rescued by Fire personnel and then transported to Saint Clares Hospital in Denville where he succumbed to his injuries.”
Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 6, Lake Parsippany Fire District 3, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department, Mt. Tabor District 1 RIC team were dispatched to the scene. Police closed off the road leading into the complex, but morning rush-hour traffic on Parsippany Road was not affected.
Parsippany Fire Investigator Det. M. Czajka, Morris County Arson Investigator, Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigative Section, and the Morris County Prosecutors Office all responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The Red Cross was notified and are in the process of assisting displaced residence. Authorities started in the kitchen area of the apartment.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes and Major Crimes Units, American Red Cross, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, and Saint Clares Hospital BLS and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery are also on the scene.
The investigation has been completed. The cause is undetermined at this time; however, the origin is believed to be on the kitchen floor in the area of electrical appliances. There is no indication of criminal activity.
Five tenants received emergency assistance including temporary lodging, food and clothing from the Red Cross Disaster Action Team after the fire.
