The Arson Unit of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has completed its investigation of the Memorial Day fire at 34 Morningside Road and concluded that there was no foul play involved. According to a spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office, the fire has been ruled “electrical”.
Since 1999, fire and police departments in Essex County have been required to call in the Arson Unit in five distinct situations: Suspicious fires that cause significant property damage, fires in which civilians and/or emergency personnel are killed or injured, multiple-alarm fires, fires at places of worship and county buildings, and incidents involving incendiary or explosive devices.
The blaze at 34 Morningside Road was a multiple-alarm fire that involved the Verona Fire Department and firefighters from Cedar Grove, Essex Fells and North Caldwell. According to the Verona Building Inspector’s office, no permits had been filed for work at the house; however, not all work requires a permit.
