Fanwood, NJ (July 25, 2025) – A woman was killed in a house fire in Fanwood, New Jersey, early Friday morning, July 25, despite the attempts of a neighbor who was seriously burned while trying to save her.
Fanwood and Scotch Plains Fire Departments arrived at the home on Kempshall Terrace within four minutes of dispatch at around 1:35 a.m. on Friday. Officials said that firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack while searching for the victim.
The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes; however, the victim was found in a second-floor bedroom and pronounced dead at the scene. A neighbor unsuccessfully rushed to her aid before firefighters arrived and was seriously burned in the process. That person was taken to the Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
No firefighters were hurt. However, no additional details have been released; the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased victim’s loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the victim who sustained injuries in the fire, and we hope for their full recovery at this time.
Residential Fires in New Jersey
Fires erupt every day across the United States, whether due to vehicle accidents, residential blazes, or commercial property incidents. While these events can occur anywhere, their impact is often more severe in densely populated urban areas, where homes and buildings are located in close proximity. Recent estimates suggest that nearly 490,500 fires occur annually in residential and commercial settings, resulting in approximately 13,000 injuries each year. Common injuries sustained in fires include:
- Burns of varying severity
- Major scarring and disfigurement
- Smoke inhalation injuries
- Fatalities
As the rate of residential and urban fire incidents continues to rise, so too does the number of individuals left dealing with severe injuries, property loss, and emotional trauma. Recovering from a fire may involve extensive medical treatment, psychological counseling, and financial strain from lost wages or costly repairs. Families often shoulder a heavy burden in the aftermath—one that can be overwhelming without legal support.
Tragically, residential fires also account for the majority of fire-related fatalities in the U.S. Inadequate smoke detectors, blocked exits, faulty wiring, or flammable materials often contribute to these deadly events. Families may have only minutes—or seconds—to escape once a fire breaks out, and when evacuation is delayed or impossible, the consequences can be fatal.
Surviving family members are frequently left grappling not only with emotional loss but also with funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens. In such cases, a wrongful death claim may be available to help secure justice and financial relief.
Many fire-related incidents are preventable and occur due to negligence, code violations, or failure to maintain safe premises. If you believe that another party’s actions contributed to the fire that caused your injuries, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
At Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, our dedicated New Jersey accident attorneys understand the devastating impact a fire can have on your life. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident, identify liable parties, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With in-depth knowledge of New Jersey’s personal injury laws, our accident lawyers are here to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the legal process.
If you’ve been injured in a fire in New Jersey, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Contact our skilled legal team at Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer today at (215) 600-0681 to schedule a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers relies on various secondary sources to create this post, including local and state media outlets, police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts of serious accidents in Pennsylvania. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer, immediately so we can correct the information and ensure the post reflects the most accurate details. Posts can also be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The photos used in this post were not taken at this accident scene. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
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