Asbury Park Man Charged with Arson & Burglary After Fire Destroys Deal Home

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a disturbing turn of events, a two-story home on Lady Bess Drive in Deal, New Jersey, was completely destroyed by a fire early Sunday morning. According to a report at Patch.com, the man accused of causing the blaze, 20-year-old Nasyr-Alaire Fisher of Asbury Park, admitted to police that he broke into the home, smoked marijuana, and left a candle burning in a closet—a seemingly small act that ultimately resulted in the home’s devastation.

The fire was reported in the 6 a.m. hour, with Deal police and firefighters arriving at the scene at 6:31 a.m. to find the residence already fully engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, the fire had consumed the structure, leaving nothing salvageable. Fortunately, as Patch.com reported, the homeowners were not present at the time, sparing any potential injuries or loss of life.

According to an affidavit released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and cited by Patch.com, Fisher was apprehended shortly after the fire, walking near the Allenhurst train station. He was taken into custody by a Deal police officer and brought to headquarters for questioning. During his interview, Fisher waived his Miranda rights and provided an account of the events leading up to the fire.

Fisher admitted to breaking into the home around 6 a.m. and smoking marijuana inside. As Patch.com detailed, he told police that he lit a candle in a bedroom closet where he had found a set of keys belonging to the homeowners. Critically, Fisher confessed that he left the candle burning inside the closet before exiting the residence. The keys he mentioned were later discovered in his possession, providing additional evidence linking him to the scene.

Patch.com also reported troubling behavior from Fisher during his detainment. While being processed at Deal Police Headquarters, Fisher became physically aggressive, slamming his head against the booking room wall and causing multiple dents in the sheetrock. Out of concern for his wellbeing, he was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. After being treated and subsequently released, Fisher was returned to police custody, where he reportedly became combative with officers once again.

Fisher now faces a litany of serious charges, including arson, burglary, and assaulting a police officer. Patch.com emphasized that these charges reflect both the severe damage caused by the fire and Fisher’s actions while in police custody.

The incident has left the quiet community of Deal shaken, as a home—once filled with memories and personal belongings—was reduced to ashes in a matter of hours. As Patch.com highlighted, the affidavit provides a chilling reminder of how a single careless act, in this case, leaving a lit candle unattended, can lead to catastrophic consequences.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation, and Fisher remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings. According to Patch.com, the homeowners, who were not present during the ordeal, now face the long and difficult road of rebuilding not just their physical home but also their sense of security.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of both the fragility of property and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior. The community of Deal remains united in support of the affected homeowners while awaiting justice to take its course.