Authorities identified the victims as 51-year-old Tammy Reid, 48-year-old Marvin Anderson and 42-year-old Charlene Ford.
The fire broke out shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday in a three-story, multifamily residence in Newark's West Ward.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday that a preliminary investigation indicates the fire was caused by candles on the second floor that were being used because there was no electricity.
Firefighters said the blaze is the deadliest this year in Newark.
