Resident, 64, Dies In House Fire Above Lake Hopatcong

A 64-year-old man died in an overnight fire in a home overlooking Lake Hopatcong, authorities said.

Two police officers who found the home at 2303 Lakeside Avenue "engulfed in flames with heavy smoke conditions" shortly before 12:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26.
Photo Credit: *Byram FD*

02/26/2024 4:30 p.m.

Firefighters discovered the body of Robert Powers after a pair of borough police officers braved the flames at 303 Lakeside Avenue, which were engulfing the house when they arrived shortly before 12:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, borough police said in a statement.

Both officers had to be treated for smoke inhalation, police said.

The fire apparently ignited in the rear of the more than100-year-old, two-story wood-frame house, responders said.

Borough firefighters expressed their gratitude to the police heroes who tried to get to Powers.

They also thanked fellow firefighters from Andover Borough, Andover Township, Byram, Jefferson, Mount Arlington, Netcong, Roxbury and Stanhope who provided mutual aid at the scene and in coverage, and Hopatcong EMS.

The cause was being investigated.

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