the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RUTHERFORD, NJ — The investigation into the devastating Aug. 8 blaze that destroyed the historic Congregation Beth El synagogue has officially closed, with officials saying the fire’s cause may never be known.
Police Chief John Russo confirmed that damage to the 1890s Queen Anne-style building was so severe that investigators could not pinpoint what sparked the inferno. “This burned so fast and so hot, it collapsed upon itself,” Russo said. “There was nothing left to examine.”
