Fire truck enroute to call.
Fire truck enroute to call.

Dover mayor’s business goes up in flames Sunday night

by
October 27, 2025
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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
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News