By: Richard L. Smith

A fire that claimed the life of a resident in Newark’s West Ward early Tuesday is now under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The blaze broke out just before 8:20 a.m. in the 50s block of Telford Street.

When Newark firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire inside a two-story wood-frame home, with thick smoke pushing from the eaves.

Crews quickly stretched multiple hose lines and battled intense conditions to bring the flames under control in about 30 minutes.

Once inside the home, firefighters discovered an unconscious and unresponsive individual.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. No other serious injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the Essex

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