CRANFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2021

Point of Contact:

Lt. Matthew Lubin, Fire Official

m-lubin@cranfordnj.org

CRANFORD FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS RESPOND TO FATAL FIRE ON BEECH STREET

CRANFORD – The Cranford Fire/EMS and Police Departments responded to a residential house fire at 26 Beech Street around 7:12 a.m. today. Units arrived two minutes later to find heavy fire conditions within the single family dwelling, with an active rescue attempt in progress with the assistance of a neighbor. Two occupants were rescued from the structure and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Unfortunately, a third occupant, Grace Sinnott, 83 of Cranford, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this tragic time.

The incident escalated to three alarms, bringing in fire response and emergency medical services resources from surrounding communities via the County Mutual Aid Plan. Additional Mutual Aid resources were staged at Fire Headquarters to cover the Township during the incident.

The fire caused exterior damage to a neighboring home as well as a detached garage. In addition, two firefighters were treated at the scene with minor injuries.

The fire was brought under control around 8:10 a.m. with units operating on scene into the early afternoon hours. The fire is being investigated by a partnership of the Cranford FD Bureau of Fire Prevention, Cranford Police Department, and Union County Fire Investigation Task Force. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Fire Department reminds all residents that the most effective way to protect you and your family from fire is to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home, have an escape plan with two ways out, and regular fire drills with your family. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may not be able to test their alarms.