top of page
DoverNow_Logo.com.png

Serving the Heart of Morris County

Dover Sportsplex

UPDATE: JD Automotive & Truck Fire Under Investigation

  • Writer: David Chmiel
    David Chmiel
  • Oct 27
  • 2 min read

Multiple fire departments were called to battle a three-alarm blaze at a Dover business owned by Mayor James P. Dodd.


The cleanup and investigation have begun at the scene of the JD Automotive & Truck Inc. fire. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)
The cleanup and investigation have begun at the scene of the JD Automotive & Truck Inc. fire. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney announced Monday that the cause of the three-alarm fire that broke out on Sunday evening at JD Automotive & Truck, Inc. is under investigation.


Mayor James P. Dodd owns the business, which is located at 331 Richards Avenue.


According to officials, the high-intensity fire was reported at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire was subsequently brought under control. Mutual aid was provided by fire companies from Netcong, Mount Tabor, Roxbury, Picatinny, Denville, and Wharton. Dover Police closed traffic on Route 46 in both directions through the evening until the fire was brought under control after midnight.

There was no one in the building at the time of the fire. There were no reports of injury at the scene.

Monday morning revealed the extensive damage to the JD Automotive structure. DFD responded quickly to douse the embers that appeared to be smoldering. Investigators from DFD, Dover Police Department, and county agencies, including the Morris County Bomb Squad and the county Prosecutor's office, were on the scene.

The JD Automotive lot was surrounded by customers' cars. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)
The JD Automotive lot was surrounded by customers' cars. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)

While the vinyl siding of the residence at 6 Palm Street appears to have melted from the heat, the surrounding businesses and homes sustained no real damage.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit, Morris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Dover Police Department, and the Dover Fire Department.

Anyone with information, including photos or videos, is encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.

This is a developing story. Check back with DOVERNOW.COM for updates.


bottom of page