UPDATE: Deadly Fire Claims a Life

RIO GRANDE – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner report that the Middle Township Police Department, during routine patrol, observed smoke emanating from a residence located at 3101 Route 9 South, Rio Grande, NJ Feb. 28 at approximately 1:59 a.m.
First responders entered the residence and retrieved the victim, Phillip Padilla, from the bedroom and subsequently transported him to Cape Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased.
A subsequent investigation by the Major Crimes Arson Unit of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Detectives from the Middle Township Police Department and the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office was conducted. It was learned that the fire originated in the kitchen area of the residence. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental due to unattended cooking. An autopsy is scheduled later today at Shore Memorial Hospital.
Prosecutor Taylor and Chief Leusner recognize all the agencies involved in the rescue efforts performed during this unfortunate incident.
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
A fire on Route 9 and King Street claimed a resident’s life Feb. 28.
Rio Grande Fire Company responded to the call shortly after 2 a.m. Also responding were Green Creek, Erma and Villas fire companies, Middle Township Police Department, Cape May County Fire Marshal, and N.J DOT. Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas assisted.
According to Rio Grande Fire Chief Rich Sweeten, firefighters arrived to find heavy fire in the front of the dwelling. “The air temperature was 12 degrees Fahrenheit and made the ground icy,” Sweeten said. “That didn’t have an effect on their ability to douse the flames.”
Of the three units in the home, only one was occupied. “Due to construction on the building,” Sweeten said. “It took awhile to overhaul the entire structure.”
When the fire was extinguished, a male was found, deceased within the dwelling.
County Arson Task Force is investigating the cause of the fire.
To contact Bryon Cahill, email bcahill@cmcherald.com.