Woman Deliberately Set Rutherford Garden Apartment Fire, Authorities Charge

A woman remained held Tuesday after authorities charged her with deliberately igniting a fire in the kitchen of a garden apartment in the Rutherford complex where she lives.

Mary Anne Hampl
Photo Credit: *RUTHERFORD FD / INSET: BCJ*

Jerry DeMarco

02/13/2024 2:31 p.m.

Mary Anne Hampl, 62, was arrested shortly after 7 p.m. last Thursday, Feb. 8, after borough firefighters doused the Hastings Avenue blaze, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

Hampl, who Musella said is unemployed, is accused of intentionally creating a fire and smoke condition with items purposefully placed on a stove.

The prosecutor didn't suggest a possible motive.

Detectives from his Arson Squad charged Hampl with aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage as a result, Musella said.

Then they sent her to the Bergen County Jail, where she remained on Feb. 13.

Rutherford police and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office – which collected evidence – are participating in the probe, Musella said.

The prosecutor also credited Rutherford firefighters as well as Northvale police and Hackensack firefighters who participate in his Bergen County Arson Task Force.

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