Photo Story: N.J. Crews Tackle Strip Mall Fire

March 3, 2015
Some of the eateries at the Sayerville mall were frequented by students of the nearby Middlesex County Fire Academy on their lunch breaks.

A large section of a popular Sayreville strip mall was destroyed early on Feb. 26 after a fire ripped through the building, ravaging at least two businesses and damaging several others.

The Sayreville Fire Department responded around 5:30 a.m. to 881 Main St. for a reported light smoke condition.

When firefighters arrived, store front windows were blackened and smoke was pouring from the one-story building that contains several businesses. A water supply was established near the entrance of the mall as firefighters forced several doors to advance hand lines into the building. An interior attack was attempted, but the suppression crews were forced to retreat due to low water pressure and deteriorating conditions.

The smoke started to increase and flames broke through the roof resulting in the incident commander sounding the evacuation tones. Once all personnel evacuated the building, an additional water supply was established and a defensive operation was set up placing elevated master streams along with multiple exterior handlines in service. 

The bulk of the fire was darkened within 90 minutes and placed under control shortly after, but not before several businesses were severely damaged.

Firefighters remained on scene for most of the day conducting extensive overhaul. Heavy demolition equipment was brought in to move large piles of debris, so buried hot spots could be extinguished. 

Some of the eateries within the mall, including a pizza parlor and bagel store, were frequently visited by students of the nearby Middlesex County Fire Academy on their lunch breaks. 

None of the businesses were open at the time of the blaze with the exception of Quick Chek, which is the anchor store of the mall. There were no injuries reported at the scene and all employees were evacuated safely. 

Several mutual aid fire departments from throughout Middlesex County were summoned to the scene to assist or cover the town for the duration of the incident. Middlesex County Fire Coordinators were on scene to assist with mutual aid fire departments. 

The cause and origin of the fire is being investigated by Sayreville Fire Marshal Kevin Krushinski. 

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