Tuesday, December 09, 2008

FLORHAM PARK: The death of an 82-year-old man, who was killed in a fatal house fire last week, has been ruled an accident and the cause was determined to be severe thermal injuries, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office yesterday.

After a swift investigation by the prosecutor's major crimes and arson units, along with police and the county sheriff's criminal investigation section, authorities learned the fire originated in the kitchen on the stove.

"The investigation revealed Mr. Welsh would use the stove and oven to supplement the heat within the residence. The fire on the stove ignited the victim's clothing. Mr. Welsh was able to extinguish the fire but suffered severe burns as a result of the fire. Mr. Welsh then returned to the sitting room where he was ultimately found by family members who called the police," said Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq.

(This story was filed Dec. 9, 2008. Media Agent Bill Swayze can be reached at 973-285-6200).