Fire Guts Home Of Former Washington Township Mayor Tracy Tobin

LONG VALLEY, NJ - A fire destroyed the home of gour-time mayor, 46-year resident of Long Valley Tracy Tobin on Monday. Tobin died in February leaving his wife and daughter in the home.

"Fire gutted the home of former Long Valley Mayor Tracy Tobin leaving his wife and daughter with a total loss," Ray Chimileski wrote on a GoFundMe Page. "Everything, clothing, furniture, appliances, and a lifetime of memories burned in the blaze."

Shortly after 8 a.m. Office David Marut was on routine patrol on East Mill Road when he saw dark smoke coming from the area of Mountain View and East Mill Roads. Arriving on scene, Marut saw flames coming from the roof of a residence on Mountain View and he requested that the Morris County Communications Center dispatch the appropriate fire companies as the fire had not yet been reported, police said.

As Fairmount, Long Valley, and Schooley's Mountain Fire Departments, in addition to mutual aid departments from Hunterdon, Morris, and Warren Counties were dispatched to assist in fighting the fire, Marut quickly make contact with the residents on their front porch and assisted them with vacating the property, police said.

The fire quickly spread through the residence and moments later the structure was fully engulfed.

A video posted to social media by the Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad Flanders Fire Co. #1 showed crews knocking down in one of the bedrooms and remaining on scene to assist in overhaul operations:

The Long Valley First Aid Squad also arrived on scene and assisted with rehabilitation efforts, providing firefighters with immediate medical attention and rehydration.The fire was extinguished and does not appear to be suspicious, officials said.

"Fortunately Dottie and daughter were not injured," Chimileski said. "Please help us get them back on their feet with whatever donation you can. God bless you for your kindness."

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Overnight house fire in Washington Township