Fast Moving Fire Leaves Man Dead, Firefighter Injured In Sparta, NJ

SPARTA, N.J. (AP) -- One man was killed and a firefighter was burned when a fast-moving fire destroyed one home and severely damaged another in northwestern New Jersey.

Sparta police say the blaze was reported around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, and it took firefighters several hours to bring it under control.

The male victim was found on the first floor of the two-story home. But his name has not been released, pending notification of family members.

Sparta Fire Lt. Anthony Riehl suffered burns on his shoulder and back while searching the home for other possible victims. The 37-year-old Riehl was treated at a hospital and later released.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Authorities say the victim's home was completely destroyed, while a neighboring residence sustained significant damage to the fire's intense heat.

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