Massive fire in Sea Isle City, New Jersey leaves 2 restaurants damaged

Two restaurants were damaged in a massive fire on Wednesday afternoon in Sea Isle City , New Jersey.

The fire happened on the 4200 block of Park Road in the city's Fish Alley section, in a building that houses both Casa Taco and Casino Pizza.

Employees of Casa Taco called 911 around 5:06 p.m. to report a fire. Firefighters arrived a short time later.

"The police were on the scene within a minute. The fire department followed within a minute behind us," said Chief Tony Garreffi of the Sea Isle City Police Department. He added that first responders received help from fire departments in Avalon, Marmora, Ocean City, Ocean View and Strathmere.

The blaze was placed under control in about an hour.

Sea Isle City police say there was extensive damage to Casa Taco. The adjacent restaurant, Casino Pizza, was also damaged.

"We're heartbroken to share that Casa Taco was engulfed in flames, and the roof collapsed in. Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, and this time it's ours to face," Casa Taco said in a statement. "The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We can't thank our fire departments and emergency personnel enough for their quick response and bravery."

Investigators have not determined how the fire started, but the area with the heaviest damage appears to be the kitchen, according to customers who have been to the restaurant before.

The building has been condemned but officials haven't said if it will have to be torn down.

"It's a shame," said longtime Sea Isle City resident Bob Palumbo as he looked at what's left of the building, which has been roped off.

Videos posted on social media show the flames consuming parts of the property.

"It was bedlam. The smoke was just billowing out of here. It was just real thick," said Mike Monichetti, who owns the popular Mike's Seafood near the scene of the fire.

"The building is at least 80 years old, and the timbers were fired up there. It just took off once it started," Monichetti added.

Keith Farnum and his family were having dinner at a restaurant nearby.

"Everybody was like, 'I see smoke,' and you couldn't even see out the side windows over here at the restaurant," said Farnum who's vacationing in Sea Isle from the Pottstown area.

No one was injured in the fire.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.