Carlstadt, N.J. – A two-alarm house fire that claimed the life of a 67-year-old man in Carlstadt has been determined not to be suspicious following a joint investigation by county and local officials.
The fire broke out Friday afternoon at a multi-family home on 3rd Street, prompting a large response from the Carlstadt Police Department, Carlstadt Fire Department, and several neighboring fire departments providing mutual aid. During fire suppression efforts, responders located an adult male on the second floor of the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as Joseph A. Poling.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad and the Bergen County Arson Task Force were requested to assist, with investigators working alongside Carlstadt police, fire officials, and the fire prevention bureau to determine the cause of the blaze.
Following the investigation, officials concluded the fire was not suspicious in nature.
Prosecutor Mark Musella acknowledged the coordinated response and assistance provided by local police, fire, and emergency medical services, as well as county agencies that participated in the investigation and fire response.
Investigators determined a fatal two-alarm fire at a Carlstadt home was not suspicious after a joint county and local review.