1 Killed in NJ House Fire; Grenades Found in Basement: Police

A person has died in a fire in Bergen County, and police said grenades were found in the basement

A man was killed when a fire swept through a home in New Jersey where police discovered a cache of grenades and rifles inside, police said. 

Firefighters were called to 44 Luke Ave. in Bergenfield at about 7:30 a.m. A 91-year-old woman, Frances Taylor, was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. 

Her son, Jimmy Taylor, who lived in the home for decades, was found dead in the home, police said. 

Bomb squads on the scene discovered grenades in the basement of the house later in the afternoon, according to police. Rifles were also seen being carried out of the home. 

Investigators don't believe they played a role in the fire but neighbors were stunned to hear about the firepower being stored in their "nice, quiet" community, and added the Taylors appeared to be friendly. 

"Having that kind of weaponry inside the house, it just blows my mind," said a neighbor who wished only to be identified by his first name, Jason.

Barry Paul said, "There was an older lady and her youngest son. I used to see them in the yard, they had a nice little garden on the side. I used to wave at them and that was about it."

A firefighter who suffered heat exhaustion was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.

-- Brian Thompson contributed to this report. 

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