Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and West Orange Police Chief James Abbott announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Task Force and the West Orange Police and Fire Departments are investigating a fatal fire.
Officials said on Sunday, February 20, a fire broke out at approximately 4:27 a.m. at a home located on Valley Way in West Orange.
Cynthia Johnson, 66, was injured in the fire when she ran back into the home in an attempt to rescue her cats.
She was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, where she was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.