Authorities Investigate Fatal Fire in Hanover

An 86-year-old Hanover Township woman was killed in a residential fire on Longview Drive in Whippany early Sunday morning, Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said.

The fire, which was reported by a neighbor at about 2 a.m., does not appear to be suspicious, Bianchi said during  a news conference Sunday in Roxbury that also announced the killing of a Kenvil diner owner.

“Our preliminary assessment does not indicate that the circumstances surrounding the fire are suspicious at this time," Bianchi said. "The investigation is ongoing.”

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions as well as heavy fire in the back of the home when they arrived at the scene, Bianchi said.

While battling the blaze, firefighters found the woman's body in her living room, Bianchi said. The name of the woman has not yet been released, pending notification of the next of kin.

Fire departments from Whippany, Cedar Knolls, Morristown, Morris Township, Morris Plains, Madison, Florham Park and Parsippany responded to the scene.