Large fire breaks out at New Jersey strip mall: officials

FAIR LAWN, N.J. (PIX11) – A large fire broke out at a New Jersey strip mall early Friday morning, according to fire officials.

The two-alarm fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. on Fair Lawn Avenue in Fair Lawn. Employees inside Zadie’s Kosher Bake Shop called police when they noticed it was much hotter inside their bakery than usual, officials said.

Multiple businesses were damaged in the fire. The fire was believed to have started in the rear of Green Dragon Asian Cuisine, according to fire officials.

“We initially sent in an engine crew through the rear of the building to try to get a handle on it. Unfortunately, the fire quickly spread, compromising the roof,” said Fair Lawn Assistant Fire Ralph Rinaldo.

The roofs collapsed at Green Dragon Asian Cuisine and a barbershop next door, causing heavy damage, officials said.

“The fire caused widespread damage to all the businesses located in the strip mall. It’s obviously devastating to lose these small businesses as people lose their livelihoods,” Rinaldo said.

No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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