Just after 4 A.M. Mount Olive Police received a call reporting a dwelling fire at 191 Flanders-Drakestown Rd. The Budd Lake and Flanders fire departments responded and upon arrival found heavy smoke showing from the roof area. The dwelling is a 100 year old building that formerly served as a church and the Pax Amicus Theatre in the 70's. Heavy fire spread through the attic area and through the roof. The steeple became heavily involved in fire and eventually collapsed. Firefighters used a defensive attack due to a partial collapse of the roof. Mutual aid units responded to the scene from Netcong, Washington Township, Chester, Roxbury, and the Morris County Western tanker task force. The fire took at least 2 hours to bring under control however units remained on scene for most of the morning extinguishing hot spots and overhauling. The residents of the home escaped without injury. The Mount Olive fire marshall and Police Department are investigating the cause of the blaze.
Photos By: Adam Alberti