Structure Fire 'Severely' Damages Howell Home, Claims Dog

HOWELL, NJ - A residential structure fire tore devastated a residence in the Candlewood section of Howell on Monday.

Around 6 p.m. on May 17, a structure fire was reported at a single-family home on Darien Road in Howell, according to a press release from the Howell Fire Bureau.

Although no injuries were reported, the home was "severely damaged" from the fire.

"Heavy fire conditions were present throughout the upper floor of the single-family residence," the release reads. "Units from all five Howell Township fire companies as well as units from the Jackson Township Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire. Fire was placed under control approximately one hour from the time of dispatch."

While all human occupants escaped safely, four-legged resident Buster was reported missing - later reported deceased - by the family, according to Howell Happenings NJ.

It was not immediately clear what time the fire occurred or how it originated. This fire is currently under investigation by the Howell Township Fire Bureau.

To watch first responder footage of the fire, click here. Viewer discretion is advised.

Our volunteers responded to a home #fire on Darien Road in #Howell, helping a family of 7, providing Red Cross emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food and clothing needs.
— Red Cross New Jersey #HelpCantWait (@NJRedCross) May 18, 2021

A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the family. Click here to access the fundraiser.