Authorities are investigating possible arson at a fatal Jersey City blaze on Clerk Street that broke out late this morning.
“The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and Jersey City Fire Department are investigating a structure fire on Clerk Street in the area of Union Street in Jersey City that has claimed the life of at least one individual. More info to follow,” the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office tweeted.
Police radio transmission indicated that a fire began at 270 Clerk St., a two-story home, around 11 a.m. this morning and that “exposure problems” caused the blaze to spread quickly.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez provided more details at 3:44 p.m. on Thursday.
Just after 10:45 a.m., the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a working fire at 270 Clerk St. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a two-alarm fire with heavy fire and smoke conditions that was confined to the second floor of the residence.
Firefighters gained access and found an 84-year-old woman unresponsive in her bedroom. She was pronounced dead at 11:44 a.m. and has not yet been identified.
Additionally, one Jersey City Fire Captain was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries and the fire was reported under control at 11:38 a.m.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. The cause and manner of death is pending with the Regional Medical Examiner.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.
