Tragic New Jersey Fire Ruled Accidental

KYW1060

The cause of the July 4th fire in Gloucester City, NJ that claimed the lives of six people has been ruled accidental.

The fire claimed the lives of firefighters James Sylvester, John West, and Thomas Stewart, and three children (pictured) who lived in the home -- five-year-old Alexandra and three-year-old twins Claudia and Colletta Slack.

The finding comes as no real surprise, since a preliminary report issued earlier in the year indicated the fire was an accident.

The actual cause of the fire may never be determined, but what is known is that the blaze started in the living room of the home at Broadway and Mercer in the area of a couch.

While indications point to careless smoking, no official determination can be made on that.