Overview
- Passersby reported smoke coming from the windows and eaves of 36 MacArthur Blvd just after noon Tuesday.
- A neighbor told firefighters a resident was likely still inside, prompting an immediate search.
- Crews encountered a large hole to the basement near the front doorway, attacked the fire from the rear through a sliding door, and removed the man.
- Officials said the victim, the home’s sole resident, was in his 60s and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The origin and cause are under investigation by local fire and police, State Police fire investigators, the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Essex County district attorney’s office; firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 10 minutes.