Hunterdon law enforcement has identified the elderly woman who died in a fatal house fire at 5 Higginsville Road in the Three Bridges section of Readington Township early on Saturday morning. The blaze was reported at 6:06 a.m.
“After battling back the flames, firefighters discovered the deceased body of an elderly female,” said Hunterdon Prosecutor Anthony Kearns III.
On Monday authorities said the victim was identified as the homeowner, Evelyn C. Miller, 88.
Mr. Kearns said, “Our condolences go out to Ms. Miller’s family during this difficult time.”
The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Arson Task Force and the Readington Township Police Department are continuing the investigation. The fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time, said a press release from the prosecutor.
Mr. Kearns said firefighters and police arrived to find the home engulfed in flames. When rescue personnel entered the home to search for possible victims they were hampered by intense heat, flames and smoke, he said.
A firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and released.
Mr. Kearns commended “the dedication and commitment” of the volunteers from the Flagtown, Three Bridges, Readington Township, Raritan Township and Hillsborough fire departments, as well as the Whitehouse First Aid Squad in the response to the “dangerous fire.”
“It is important to keep in mind that our volunteer first responders leave their homes and families at all hours of the day and night, weekends and holidays, to go out to and render aid to the residents of Hunterdon County,” he said. “The dedication and bravery of these men and women does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
The Hunterdon County Arson Task Force is comprised of specially trained police officers, volunteer firefighters and prosecutor’s office detectives that works in conjunction with the State Police Arson/Bomb Squad and the NJ Fire Marshal K-9 Unit to investigate major fires in the county.
