A Tuesday afternoon fire remains under investigation after a woman and her dog were found dead inside the residence.
According to police, at approximately 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, Howell Police Communications received 9-1-1 calls reporting a house fire on West 5th Street in the Freewood Acres section.
Upon arrival of emergency services, heavy fire was observed at the rear of the residence. Entry was made by the Freewood Acres and Southard Fire Deparments as it was reported the resident was trapped inside.
Tragically, it was discovered that a 55-year-old woman perished in the fire along with her dog.
The investigation is currently being conducted by detectives from the Howell Township Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office as well as investigators from the Monmouth County Fire Marshall's Office and Howell Township Fire Bureau.
At this time the cause of the fire is unknown. Although it is early in the investigation, there is no evidence of suspicious activity at this time authorities said.
The identity of the deceased and exact address of the fire is being withheld at this time pending notification of family members.
Photos: Howell Police