This morning at approximately 3:31 in the morning, the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) responded to 541 West Westfield Avenue on a report of a residential structure fire with a female trapped on the exterior roof of the first floor.
Once on scene, officers reported a smoke condition within the rear interior portion of the residence and a female – identified as Pamela H. Zimic, age 62 from Roselle Park, sitting on the rooftop of the first floor. Ms. Zimic stated to the police on scene, according to the report, that she started the fire intentionally. It was later learned that an eviction process was recently initiated by her landlord.
Two cats were located within the dwelling. One was turned over to animal control for treatment – the other did not survive the fire.
Ms. Zimic was rescued from the rooftop by the Roselle Park Fire Department (RPFD) and transported to St. Barnabas Hospital for minor burns to her face and head as well as smoke inhalation.
Following an investigation by the RPPD, RPFD, and the Union County Fire Investigator Task Force it was determined that the fire was deemed to be arson. Ms. Zimic was released from the hospital and formally charged with 2nd degree aggravated arson with bail set at $75,000.