New Jersey fatal fire began in vacant building

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A New Jersey apartment house fire took the lives of five people, including three children. It is believed that the fire began in a vacant building next to the apartment. The fire escalated very quickly, and it was also responsible for damage caused to four other buildings as well. Two of the children were brother and sister. The boy was 4-years old, and the girl was 3-years old. Another family lost three individuals as well including a father, daughter and teenage son. What will need to be answered concerning this matter was whether the fire was the result of property owner negligence. We've discussed in the past how property owners will abandon property and take no responsibility for whatever else occurs on the premises. Unfortunately, with no upkeep to property, conditions deteriorate and become ripe for fires or other accidents. Negligence includes more than just negligent acts. It can also involve a failure to act as well. Such property owners have a duty for upkeep of such property if for no other reason than to prevent injuries from occurring. Attorneys can assist individuals and family members injured due to property owner neglect. Such attorneys can make a determination as to what party is responsible for such neglect, and what individuals can best compensate victims of this neglect. Two families suffered a catastrophic loss because of a fire that began in vacant property. The consequences of such a fire were not unforeseeable. If a property owner had the means of correcting a problem and instead did nothing, such property owners could be held negligent by the courts. Negligence includes more than just negligent acts. It can also involve a failure to act as well. Such property owners have a duty for upkeep of such property if for no other reason than to prevent injuries from occurring. Source: The Washington Post, "5 killed in Newark, NJ, apartment fire that started in vacant building next door," July 20, 2012