Blaze tears through Dover business owned by town mayor as arson probe launched
DOVER, NJ – A commercial fire that tore through a truck repair business Sunday night is now the focus of an arson investigation, with officials confirming the building is owned by Dover Mayor James Dodd.
At around 7:30 p.m., crews responded to reports of a fire at JD Automatic & Truck, located at 331 Richards Avenue. Flames engulfed the commercial structure, prompting immediate suppression efforts and road closures as multiple departments battled the blaze.
Firefighters from Netcong, Mount Tabor, Roxbury, Picatinny, Denville, and Wharton responded under mutual aid, helping to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
The fire remains under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit, alongside the Morris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and local Dover agencies. No cause has been released, and authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
Investigators are now seeking photos, videos, or witness information to assist in determining the origin of the fire. JD Automatic & Truck is a commercial property operated by Mayor James Dodd, who has not issued a public statement.
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Key Points
- Fire broke out Sunday night at JD Automatic & Truck in Dover, NJ
- The commercial property is owned by Mayor James Dodd
- Multiple agencies are investigating the cause of the blaze, with no injuries reported