One man is dead in a fire that destroyed a single-family home in Cranford on Sunday, according to authorities.
The Cranford fire and police departments responded to the fire in the 500 Block of Hillcrest Avenue around 6:45 a.m., according to a press release from the Cranford Fire Department.
Crews encountered heavy fire conditions and initiated an exterior attack as the extent of the fire prevented them from making entry into the house initially, the release said.
Once the fire conditions were suppressed, firefighters entered and found the man on the first floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released his identity.
The fire also left the home uninhabitable and damaged the exterior of neighboring homes.
“While it’s very unfortunate that a resident was lost in this fire, I’m thankful for the fast work of our fire and police responders to contain the fire without injury or extensive damage to the neighboring properties," said Cranford Fire Chief Daniel Czeh. "The neighborhood was very appreciative and supportive of our responders.”