Firefighters Battle 2-Alarm Blaze In Burlington County
By Al Novack
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Firefighters in Burlington County fought a two-alarm fire at a strip mall early Sunday morning.
Officials report that police received a call just before 2 a.m. about a fire at the Iron Village strip mall, located in the 500 block of Stokes Road in Medford, New Jersey.
Fire officials say the blaze was placed under control at 3:16 a.m.
One firefighter is under evaluation after complaining of chest pains.
Dan Finlay owns Finlay's Cigar Shop in the Ironstone Village Shopping Center in Medford Township. He came quickly to check on his store after hearing an early morning fire ripped through part of his building. He'd just moved into this plaza on Monday.
"I don't have any damage that I can tell, other than the smoke. You can smell the smoke you know," said Finlay.
Another business wasn't so lucky. A nearby Japanese Restaurant was completely destroyed by the fire.
John Martosella, who helps the center's owner manage the property, says the restaurant has a new owner.
"The first thing on my mind, was the guy who just bought the Japanese restaurant on Friday, so, I mean I really feel for him," said Martosella.
Firefighters say the Japanese restaurant, and two other vacant spaces were destroyed. One used to be a Chinese restaurant.
Sally Amoriello owns Amoriello Hair Designs. She said her business has water and smoke damage.
"It's just a mess inside," said Amoriello, "We're just a little devastated but it could be worse."
There are several open spaces within the shopping center. Those who manage the property say they may move the hair salon into one, to help the business get up and running as soon as possible.
Shop owner Dan Finlay said the re-opening of his store could be delayed a few weeks, but, he's glad his cigars are intact.
"Trying to re-establish your business at a new location gets a little tough when you're not going to be open," said Finlay, "gotta look at the upside, you can't change it."
Firefighters are still trying to determine what caused the fire.
