[Read our latest coverage of the fatal fire in Colts Neck, N.J.]

Two adults and two children were found dead on Tuesday after a possible arson fire engulfed a large, stately home in central New Jersey — hours after another fire erupted at a house owned by a relative, officials said.

Officials are investigating both blazes to determine if they are linked, the Monmouth County prosecutor, Christopher J. Gramiccioni, said at a news conference.

“That remains to be seen,” he said, “but that is an option or an angle we continue to pursue.”

The deadly fire that broke out in Colts Neck, N.J., around lunchtime and continued to burn into the evening was being investigated as a possible arson, Mr. Gramiccioni said.

[What you need to know to start your day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]

Mr. Gramiccioni said three of the bodies were found inside the home in Colts Neck, roughly 50 miles southwest of New York City. The fourth, a man, was found dead outside the burning house. Officials have not released the names of the victims.