By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a deadly fire that broke out early Wednesday morning at a senior living residence in Middlesex County.
According to fire officials, emergency crews responded around 4:20 a.m. to a report of a structure fire at the Hirams Home Community, located near South Inman Avenue and North Second Street in Avenel.
Firefighters from Avenel, Woodbridge, and Port Reading arrived to find a working fire and quickly began an interior attack using a 1 3/4-inch hose line.
Crews managed to bring the blaze under control within minutes, then conducted ventilation and overhaul operations before scaling back the emergency response.
A 65-year-old male resident was found inside the home and treated at the scene for injuries.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital by EMS, where he was later pronounced dead.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, early findings suggest it was accidental.
The Avenel Fire Prevention Bureau is leading the probe, working alongside the Woodbridge Police Department under the direction of Fire Official Spillar and Deputy Fire Official Neroda.