By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a fatal fire that broke out Friday evening in Jersey City, where firefighters discovered a deceased man inside a makeshift shelter, according to a statement released by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. 
Shortly after 6:00 p.m. on January 31, the Jersey City Fire Department responded to reports of a fire near 1000 Newark Avenue.
Crews arriving on the scene swiftly worked to contain and extinguish the blaze.
After the fire was suppressed, emergency responders found an unidentified male inside the charred remains of the improvised shelter.
He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 6:49 p.m. The cause of death remains under investigation, pending an autopsy by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, in collaboration with the Jersey City Fire Department, is leading an investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.
Officials have not yet determined whether foul play was involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345.
