Fire That Gutted North Jersey Eatery 'Not Suspicious:' Officials

MT. OLIVE, NJ - The exact cause of the blaze that destroyed the Longhorn Steakhouse in Mt. Olive in the early morning of Jan. 19 has been deemed "not suspicious" according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire has been completed and the cause is undetermined at this time. Although the fire is deemed not suspicious, the overall investigation remains ongoing, officials said.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson & Environmental Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s Office and Flanders Fire Department.

Mt. Olive Mayor Rob Greenbaum expressed his appreciation for the first responders and asked the community to be on the lookout for a way to help the eatery's owner.

"Ralph, the owner has given so much to our community. I will keep you posted as to what their needs are so that we can help support them during this very difficult time," he said.

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