Photo Story: Fire Hits N.J. Grocery Store Again

A massive fire ravaged the only supermarket in South Amboy on April 13, sending thick black smoke and flames into the sky that was visible for miles. 

South Amboy firefighters responded to the C-Town Supermarket on Bordentown Ave. around 4 p.m. after people driving by noticed smoke emanating from the building.

 

Heavy smoke and fire was showing toward the rear of a large one-story commercial building. Water supplies were established and a defensive operation was set up from the start due to the volume of fire present. Several master streams were placed in service, including four elevated master streams provided by South Amboy, Sayreville, Perth Amboy and East Brunswick ladder trucks, which surrounded the building on all four sides.

 

Relay pumping operations were set up by several engines down Route 35 as hydrants were also being utilized in the neighboring town of Sayreville to establish a sufficient water supply. Water continued to flow from the exterior from all sides for hours in order to contain the flames, while thick smoke poured from the building and blanketed the neighborhood. 

The fire was declared under control around 7 p.m., but crews remained on scene throughout the evening hitting hot spots within the collapsed structure. 

The building is being deemed a total loss as there was a heavy roof collapse along with several wall collapses. Sections of the damaged wall were torn down immediately for safety concerns due to the instability of the structure. 

This is the second fire this year at the supermarket. The first fire occurred in January and caused significant damage to the second floor attic and roof area, forcing the store to close for repairs. The store was under renovations when the second fire broke out and was scheduled to open within the next week. It is unknown if workers were on the scene when the fire started. 

There were no civilian injuries reported, but one firefighter was treated and released for heat exhaustion. 

Several mutual aid fire departments from Middlesex County responded to the scene to assist in the extended operation and cover the town during the incident. Middlesex County Fire Coordinators were on scene organizing and rotating mutual aid fire departments during the extended incident. 

The fire is being investigated by local fire officials, but a cause may take some time to determine due to the mass destruction of the building.