Blairstown, NJ (June 18, 2026) – Two people died early on Tuesday morning, June 16, after a house fire on Mohican Road in Blairstown Township.
Police were called just after 12:30 a.m. after a fire was reported at the home. When troopers arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames.
Two people were inside the home at the time and did not make it out alive, according to police. A family member identified them in a social media post as Paul Avery and Sheila Garry Avery.
No additional injuries were mentioned in the initial report. Further details about the fire had not been released at the time of publication. Investigators are continuing to review what started the fatal house fire.
Our deepest condolences go to the Avery family and all who are grieving this loss.
How Overnight House Fires Can Become Deadly Quickly
Overnight house fires can become especially dangerous because people may be asleep when smoke begins spreading. Smoke can fill rooms fast, making it harder to see, breathe, or find a safe exit.
A home can also become unsafe within minutes when flames reach walls, ceilings, furniture, or stored items. Heat can move through hallways and stairways, cutting off escape paths before people realize how much danger they face.
Working smoke alarms can give residents more time to wake up and leave. Clear exits, practiced escape plans, and closed bedroom doors may also help slow smoke movement. After a serious residential fire, reviews usually focus on where flames started, how smoke traveled, and whether escape routes were available.
