Early Morning Blaze Forces Stores to Close

A fire engulfed the Eric Plaza early this morning forcing most of the businesses to close.

The Forked River Fire Department Responded to the scene at approximately 3:40 a.m., Chief Kevin Flynn said. No injuries were reported.

A passerby who saw smoke called in the fire, said Barry Sipe, a public insurance adjuster representing the building owners.

The fire department knocked down the blaze in less than five minutes, Flynn said. The fire was contained to the exterior causing minimal damage. Two windows were broken and the tanning salon experienced minor water damage.

Each of the eleven units was overcome by smoke, Flynn said.

The fire is suspected to be electrical but the final determination has not yet been made, Sipe said. It originated underneath the exterior soffit, he said.

A baker in Manhattan Bagel was the only employee in the building at the time of the fire, said Sam Fernando, owner of the bagel shop. The store filled with smoke.

Country Farm and Pro Nails are currently open. The other eight stores will remain closed until tomorrow afternoon, Sipe said. The building owner is waiting on the insurance company and a cleaning service.

Once the plaza is cleaned of debris, the Ocean County Health Department will conduct an inspection.

“I was impressed with the firefighters of Lacey Township. They did a fabulous job containing the fire,” said the building owner who wishes to remain anonymous.

The incident is still under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal.