Fire that killed Park Ridge woman a likely accident

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: A pre-dawn fire that killed 48-year-old Karen D. Ivaldi of Park Ridge appears accidental, a law enforcement official told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. However, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said he will await the results of an autopsy tomorrow before making a final determination.

Jerry DeMarco

01/04/2011 10:36 p.m.

A neighbor called the Park Ridge police and fire departments at 5:39 a.m. after smelling smoke, Molinelli said. Emergency workers converted within minutes on 37 Pascack Road, a multi-family building, he said.

Inside the first-floor apartment they found the body of the sole tenant, Ivaldi, who had multiple sclerosis.

“The cause of her death and the cause of the fire are under investigation at this time,” Molinelli said this afternoon.

However, a law enforcement official assured CLIFFVIEW PILOT it’s “not suspicious.”

Detectives from his Arson Squad, under the direction of Chief Steven Cucciniello, are investigating, along with Park Ridge police. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

“Results of the investigation into the fire and cause of death will be released” once that is done, Molinelli said.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Pascack Valley and receive free news updates.