Police Headquarters received a 911 call on the evening of January 27, 2004, at about 5:10 PM reporting that a car was on fire in the driveway of a Knob Hill Road residence. Sergeants Compton and Adams and Patrol Officers Rady and Szymanski responded to the scene. Schooley's Mountain Fire Protection Association and Long Valley Fire Company also responded to the scene of the fire. All units arrived at the scene is a short period of time, considering the weather, a sleet storm with freezing road conditions.  The temperature at the time of the fire was about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sergeant Adams and Patrol Officer Rady were the first police unit on the scene, and reported that although the vehicle was fully engulfed, and within ten feet of the residence, it did not appear that the house was in danger of catching on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Schooley's Mountain Fire Protection Association within minutes of their arrival. (see photographs in the photo gallery).

While the fire department was extinguishing the vehicle and securing the scene, Sergeant Compton initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire. Sergeant Compton determined a 20 year old resident was repairing the fuel line on his 1985 Mazda sports car when leaking gasoline contacted a work light and ignited. In the process of getting away from the resulting fire, the individual suffered severe burns to his left hand.  The Long Valley First Aid Squad responded, and transported the individual to the hospital for treatment.

Detective Marut, Washington Township Police Department, responded and photographed the scene and assisted in the investigation. Sergeant Compton determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. The vehicle was a total loss.
 

Article January, 29, 2004 Bob Kelly