Fatal Wall Township House Fire ruled Accidental
Improper disposal of smoking materials is blamed with accidentally sparking a fatal house fire in the West Belmar section of Wall Township early Sunday, according to Police Chief Robert L. Brice.
Brice told NJ Advance Media the Vine Street home went up in flames around 1 a.m., killing 53-year-old resident Joel P. Coutinho. The victim's dog escaped and is living with a neighbor.
Firefighters discovered Coutinho's body inside the home after bringing the blaze under control.