FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Caitlin Mota
PHONE: (201) 577-6699
EMAIL: cmota@hcpo.org
DATE: Monday, August 21, 2023

REGIONAL ARSON TASK FORCE INVESTIGATING FATAL FIRE IN WEST NEW YORK

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, and the West New York Police Department are investigating a fatal fire that occurred in West New York on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Just before 5 a.m., North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue was notified of a fire at an apartment located above 6213 Bergenline Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders found heavy smoke coming from a bedroom within the apartment. During suppression efforts, firefighters located an unresponsive male, tentatively identified as Adrian Hernandez-Bienes, 55, inside the bedroom. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Two additional occupants self-evacuated from the building.

A preliminary investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force determined the fire originated in an apartment bedroom. The Cause remains under investigation at this time. The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is investigating with assistance from North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and the West New York Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave a tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.