Fire destroys Highland Lakes home

Highland Lakes — A man’s house burned down while he was waiting at the school bus stop to pick up his child. According to a report by Vernon Police, they received a 911 call at about 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, reporting a fire at 507 Old Homestead Rd. Charles W. Ullmann told police that he left his home with his infant son for approximately 35 minutes to pick up his daughter at her bus stop, a short distance from his home. While he was at the bus stop, Ullmann said a neighbor told him that she saw smoke coming from his home. He returned home to find heavy smoke and flames coming out of the windows. Ullmann told police that he passed out due to emotional distress; he was treated at the scene by Vernon Township Ambulance personnel. The fire, which gutted the cape cod style home, was investigated and deemed not suspicious, Vernon Police reported. It was extinguished by the Highland Lakes Fire Department with assistance from the Vernon, Pochuck, McAfee and Sussex fire departments. Also assisting at the scene were the Glenwood-Pochuck Ambulance Corps and personnel from the Highland Lakes Country Club security office.