Family, Pets Escape Lake Hiawatha House Fire

Police are investigating a Knoll Road home’s attic fire Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the fire is under investigation but "deemed not suspicious." 

At the home at 255 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha, the "fire started and was contained in the attic," Parsippany Fire District 4 Assistant Chief Chris Cleary said. "Extensive overhaul was conducted. Family and pets displaced."

Homeowner Frank Iannetta, a doctor with Changebridge Medical Associates in Montville, said a repairman worked on the home’s attic furnace and later Ianetta’s son, Tony, told his father he smelled smoke; Frank Iannetta, his son and his 2-month old foster daughter escaped with no injuries, according to NJ.com

The Lake Hiawatha fire department was dispatched at 2:36 p.m. and the "fire was knocked down and under control by 3:30 p.m.," said Cleary. 

"All occupants got out safely as well as three cats and a dog. One cat is still missing but believed to be just fine," said Cleary.

They were assisted by districts 5 and 6 for suppression back up as well as Boonton fire department for their RIT team.

The initial attack was made by Cleary and a captain and firefighter from district 6. Chief Brian Cleary had command while the fire attack was made by Assistant Chief Chris Cleary and the members from District 6. Also for support was Parsippany EMS 1, as well as Car 66 and Car 69 for additional EMS support, said Cleary.

Homeowner Frank Iannetta, a doctor with Changebridge Medical Associates in Montville, said a repairman worked on the home’s attic furnace and later Ianetta’s son, Tony, told his father he smelled smoke; Frank Iannetta, his son and his 2-month old foster daughter escaped with no injuries, according to NJ.com