Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chester Township Police Chief Curtis York announce the investigation into a house fire which occurred on Monday, December 7, 2009.

Earlier today, December 7, 2009 at approximately 2:36 a.m., the Chester Township Police and Fire Departments along with the Chester Borough Fire Department, Fairmount Fire Department, Flanders Fire Department, Mendham Fire Department, Roxbury Fire Department, New Vernon Fire Department, Far Hills Fire Department, Ironia Fire Department, and Pottersville Fire Department along with the Chester Township Volunteer Ambulance Squad responded to a house fire located at 212 Pleasant Hill Road, Chester Township, New Jersey.

The house is described as a single-family residence. The structure suffered significant damage. The resident, a 45 year old female and her eight year old son were transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital where they were treated for minor smoke inhalation and later released.
There were no injuries to firefighters; however, nine pet cats were located deceased in the basement room where the fire originated.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire originated in a basement room and the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious. The investigation with regards to the cause of what started the fire remains under investigation.

The Morris County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigations Section, responded to assist with the processing of the scene and the Chester Township Department of Public Works responded to handle icy road conditions which were the result of fire suppression operations. Public Service, Electric and Gas and Jersey Central Power and Light responded to handle utility concerns which were associated with the residence.