Man dies in house fire

Wayne Pait of Sparta died in a house fire at 132 Sawmill Road on Thursday morning, Oct. 10, police said. He was 78.

His wife, Gerri, and sons Matthew and Patrick were able to get out of the house, according to a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $17,000 for the family.

After a preliminary investigation, Sparta detectives and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the fire was accidental, police said Friday, Oct. 11.

According to detectives and arson investigators, the fire may have started from an LED flashlight that accidentally was left on overnight. The heat from the flashlight is believed to have ignited a small rug, then the fire spread to the rest of the furnishings while Pait was asleep.

Investigators are unable to conclusively determine the exact cause of the fire so the official cause will remain undetermined, police said.

About 8:25 a.m. Oct. 10, the Sparta Township Police Department received a report of a fire. Patrol officers responded and found smoke billowing from the home.

The officers were informed that a resident was inside. They tried to enter but were forced back by heavy smoke and fire.

Three people were able to get out of the home with the officers’ help, and they were taken to Newton Medical Center by Atlantic and St. Clare’s ambulances to be evaluated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Two officers were evaluated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene, then returned to work.

The Sparta, Ogdensburg, Andover and Jefferson fire departments extinguished the blaze.

According to the GoFundMe page, Wayne Pait served with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. Gerri Pait worked at Liberty Travel. Matthew Pait volunteered as a youth basketball coach for several years and helped found the Sparta Recreation basketball program for high school students.