Prosecutor Releases Cause of Union Avenue Fire

The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office has released the cause of the fatal fire that destroyed a home at 180 Union Avenue in Long Branch in May.

First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni explained that the cause of the fire is accidental and that it started on the first floor in kitchen, between two pieces of furniture.

"Our investigation was unable to rule out the improper use and or disposal of an improvised smoking device and/or lighting or smoking materials," Gramiccioni said.

Gramiccioni said there is "no reason to believe any criminal activity was involved."

Gramiccioni identified the man who was killed as Jesus Estevez, a 68-year-old Hispanic male. Gramiccioni said he did not have a last known address for Estevez.

During a Long Branch Council meeting in May, a resolution was passed to demolish the house and that the fire "tragically resulted in the fatality of a vagrant illegally occupying the structure."

Estevez's body was discovered as firefighters were extinguishing the blaze.