ATF Investigating Sunday’s Fire At Dover Mayor’s Auto Repair Business
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 8:00 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
DOVER, NJ.- Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll reported that Investigators of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit, the Morris County Fire Marshals Office, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, are continuing the investigation into the origin and cause of a commercial fire that occurred Sunday night in Dover, New Jersey.
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at around 7:30 p.m., members of the Dover Police Department and the Dover Fire Department responded to a report of a fully involved structure fire at a commercial building located at 339 Richards Avenue in Dover, New Jersey.
Upon arrival, Police Officers and Firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from JD Automotive & Truck, a business owned by Dover Mayor James Dodd. Fire suppression was immediately initiated by First Responders, as Police Officers had to redirect traffic from the immediate area. The fire was subsequently brought under control and extinguished. Mutual aid was provided by surrounding fire companies from Netcong, Mount Tabor, Roxbury, Picatinny, Denville, and Wharton. Authorities have reported that no one was in the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information, or who may have been in the area or have pictures or video footage leading up to the time of the fire, is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200. All calls and information will be kept confidential.
