First Floor Fire at Phillipsburg Restaurant Prompts Swift Response, but “Unhabitable” say Authorities

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ - A 2.5 story building occupied by the restaurant El Noa Noa Con Sabor Latino underwent an aggressive fire suppression effort on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

At approximately 11:08 a.m., the Phillipsburg Fire Department, Phillipsburg Police Department, and EMS units were dispatched to 473 South Main Street for a reported structure fire with flames showing and possible entrapment, according to Phillipsburg Fire Chief Rich Hay.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

The building at 473 South Main Street is occupied by El Noa Noa Con Sabor Latino on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor. It is attached via a common wall to an unoccupied 2.5-story structure at 475 South Main Street. The property is commonly known as “Tom’s Lunch,” a once popular spot among locals.

Aliyah’s Family Restaurant was the first to reopen at the location in 2020 after years of vacancy. The buffet-style restaurant El Noa Noa Con Sabor Latino's website was unavailable, but its Facebook page shows the grand opening was on March 18, 2023.

Upon arrival of emergency units, search and rescue operations, in addition to fire suppression operations, immediately took place. Primary and secondary searches of the building proved negative for any victims. Two residents on the second floor apartment of 473 South Main Street, were subsequently located and had previously evacuated the building. Both are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

According to a press statement, the fire originated on the first floor of the restaurant and extended up the front wall of 473 South Main Street into the common wall between 473 and 475 South Main Street. There were no fire stops, as is the case with many older buildings, as it was not required when they were built.

An aggressive fire suppression effort contained the fire to a portion of the front wall of 473 South Main Street and the common wall between 473 and 475 South Main Street. The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Fire crews were on the scene for a total of 1 hour and 48 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

Authorities have deemed 473 South Main Street uninhabitable, and all utility services have been disconnected. The attached building at 475 South Main Street was vacant and without utility services.

The property 473 Main Street is owned by 473 South Main Street, LLC, and 475 South Main Street is owned by Mohamed Ghanim of Easton, PA.

The cause and origin of the fire is being investigated by the Phillipsburg Police Department, Warren County Fire Marshal Joseph Lake, and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. The cause is yet to be determined. Authorities say there is no estimate of damage available at this time.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net