Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that the person who died in the fatal fire on Wednesday, Oct. 2, has been identified as Jorge Lemus, 58, of Newark.
The two-alarm fire that occurred at 388 Summer Avenue in Newark broke out at approximately 5:54 a.m. The victim was located on the first floor and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The preliminary investigation, however, indicates that the fire started in first floor bedroom and it does not appear to be suspicious.
A second male is in critical but stable condition. Three other adults suffered minor injuries. Two dogs were found dead. Four families have been relocated.
The investigation, which is being conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Fire Division’s Arson Unit, is active and ongoing.