Stafford Township, NJ (February 16, 2026) – A house fire on Friday, February 13, claimed the life of a 92-year-old woman and left two others injured in Stafford Township. The fire broke out around 1:20 a.m. at a home on Yeoman Road.
Authorities said the blaze started in an outdoor storage area attached to the residence. Investigators believe a malfunction involving lithium-ion batteries may have caused the fire.
Two people escaped the burning home but suffered serious injuries. Emergency units took them to hospitals in the Philadelphia area, where doctors initially listed them in critical condition. Officials later reported that both survivors stabilized after receiving treatment.
Betty Matero, 92, did not make it out of the house. Officials confirmed that she died from smoke inhalation. The Ocean County Medical Examiner ruled her death accidental following an autopsy conducted later that day.
Investigators determined that the fire began along the southeast exterior wall of the home, inside an outdoor storage container. The Stafford Township Fire Prevention Bureau, along with multiple agencies, is part of a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life.
What Documentation Is Important to File a Fire Damage Claim in New Jersey?
To file a fire damage claim in New Jersey, you need key documents such as the fire report, insurance policy details, proof of ownership, photos of the damage, and medical records if anyone suffered injuries. These records help show what happened, what was lost, and what expenses resulted from the fire.
Acting quickly to gather this information can support a smoother insurance review process.
The official fire report serves as one of the most important documents in a residential fire claim. It outlines where the fire started, the suspected cause, and the extent of damage. Homeowners should also collect copies of their insurance policy, including declarations pages that explain coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
This information helps clarify what types of property damage or losses the policy may cover.
Photographs and videos taken after the fire can provide clear visual proof of structural damage and destroyed belongings. Creating a written inventory of damaged items, along with receipts or bank statements when available, strengthens the claim.
If anyone requires medical treatment, hospital records and billing statements help document injury-related expenses connected to the incident.
A wrongful death attorney can review insurance documents, explain policy language, and outline what types of compensation may be available under New Jersey law. Legal guidance can also help organize paperwork, track deadlines, and manage communication with insurance representatives.
If you have questions about filing a claim after a residential fire, we can provide clear information about your options. At Metro Law, we have experience reviewing property damage and injury cases throughout New Jersey.
We can explain how documentation, insurance coverage, and related expenses may apply in your situation. To learn more, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our attorneys about your fire-related claim.
