The fire broke out around 6:21 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, inside a home on Lawton Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Police, firefighters, and mutual aid crews from surrounding areas rushed to the scene.
First responders found two residents, a 58-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man, outside the burning home with serious injuries, Musella said. Both were able to escape before crews arrived. ABC7 identified the pair as a mother and son.
The victims were taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with severe burns, Musella said. The man was later transferred to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for further treatment.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Arson Squad and Cliffside Park investigators launched a joint investigation that evening. Authorities determined the fire does not appear suspicious in nature, Musella said.
Prosecutor Musella thanked the Cliffside Park Police Department, Cliffside Park Fire Department, and surrounding fire agencies for their quick response. He also acknowledged the Hackensack Fire Department and Northvale Police Department for their role in the Bergen County Arson Task Force.
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