By: Richard L. Smith
A fatal apartment fire in Jersey City is under investigation by county and local authorities, officials said.
According to information released by Wayne Mello, the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, along with the Jersey City Fire Department, is investigating a fire that claimed the life of an elderly resident Tuesday night.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after receiving reports of smoke inside a five-story residential building located at 11 College Drive.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke coming from a fifth-floor apartment.
During firefighting operations, responders located an unresponsive woman inside the affected unit. She was later identified as Maxine Sullivan, 85, of Jersey City.
Ms. Sullivan was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.
Authorities said the investigation remains active, but the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time. 
Further details regarding the cause of the fire have not yet been released.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local authorities as the investigation continues.