Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chatham Township Chief of Police John Paton announce the on-going investigation of a fatal fire in Chatham Twp. which occured on Monday April 12, 2010.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Arson Unit along with the Chatham Township Police, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Section and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are jointly investigating the fatal fire that killed a Chatham Township woman Monday afternoon.

Police and fire fighters responded to the fire at a River Road three-story home where they found Margaret Smizaski, age 43, a resident of the home, dead in the drieway of the residence at approximately 1:3o p.m.

On April 13, 2010 the Morris County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy. The cause and manner of death is pending further toxicological testing.

The fire originated within a 2008 4 door Honda CRV which was parked within the attached garage located beneath the residence.

The fire extended from the vehicle to the garage and then to the residence above. The residence sustained heavy smoke damage throughout the upper levels of the residence with severe fire damage to the garage as well as the front exterior of the residence.

The preliminary fire investigation has not revealed any indication that the fire was intentionally set, the investigation however is on-going.