Stillwater fire claims life

By Nathan Mayberg
STILLWATER — A Stillwater man lost his life after a fire swept through his home on Wednesday afternoon.

Brian Philhower, 23, died in the blaze, state police said on Monday.

No cause for the fire at 971 Middleville Road has yet been released. State police said the fire is under investigation.

A report of the fire was made shortly before 4 p.m.

Firefighters at the scene reported a structure fire which was "fully engulfed" upon their arrival, State Police Captain Stephen Jones said.

The intensity of the heat and smoke prevented firefighters from getting inside. After the flames were put out, the New Jersey State Police Arson/Bomb Unit went inside and recovered the body of the person inside, Jones said.

Philhower lived at the home with his parents, according to news reports.

Sussex County Fire Marshal Joseph Inga referred questions regarding the fire to state police and the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.

The prosecutor's office referred questions to state police.

Numerous fire departments from Sussex and Warren counties responded to the fire, including departments from Stillwater, Andover, Swartswood, Fredon, Newton, Green, Byram, Hampton, Branchville, Frankford, Hackettstown, Blairstown, Mt. Hope, Mt. Holly, Knowlton, Independence, Harmony and Mountain Lakes.

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at 845-469-9000 ext. 359