Fire burns through Franklin Township strip mall, impacting several businesses
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- Fire tore through a strip mall in New Jersey.
The flames broke out around 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Hamilton Street in Franklin Township.
The firehouse is right around the corner from there so firefighters arrived within minutes. It took several fire companies hours to put out the blaze.
The fire was intense and moved quickly.
No one was injured as the businesses were all closed at the time of the fire.
The six businesses that were damaged include a tropical fruit market, laundromat, pharmacy and 99-cents store.
Super Tropical Foodmarket alone employs more than two dozen people. '
The owners say they will rebuild.
"It's so sad because we put so much work and effort, the employees that we have here, families that we support as well, so it's very sad that you know that we wanna support all these families, employees," said Diana Torres, co-owner.
"As we saw land around here people developing, new people moving into the town, people growing growing, see new customers, we were happy to be able to provide for families coming in. So that's the hardest part," said Lenny Hernandez, co-owner.
Hamilton Street was closed between Matilda Avenue and Baier Avenue until approximately 6:40 a.m.
"Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and mutual aid partners, this fire was brought under control without any reported injures," said Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks. "This incident highlights the dedication of the men and women who serve our community. We appreciate the efforts of all the responding agencies."
The owners say firefighters believe it was a lightning strike that caused this fire.
The official cause remains under investigation.
The Franklin Township Fire Department is examining all potential causes.
The owners of this supermarket do own a second location 10 minutes away in North Brunswick on Livingston Avenue.
For now they will try to temporarily transfer some of their employees there.
And they're asking customers to support them there while they rebuild.
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