Crime & Safety
Belford Convenience Store Fire Rekindles
Firefighters returned to the site of the earlier fire at the E-Z Quick Food Market to address smoke coming from the store.
A fire at the E-Z Quick Food Market that was put out early this morning was rekindled around 3:16p.m. Wednesday.
A neighbor reported seeing smoke coming from the store, located at 111 Leonardville Road, and called authorities. Garfield Avenue was subsequently closed to allow for fire truck access.
Firefighters reentered the building to put out smoldering debris on top of a refrigeration unit, said John Isaksen, spokesman for the Middletown Fire Department.
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The smolders were put out in about 15 minutes, he said.
Belford Fire Companies, Middletown Township Fire Department, Middletown Township Fire Police, Leonardo First Aid Squad, Middletown Township Police and firefighters from around the township reported to the fire.
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There were no reported injuries.
The Middletown Township Fire Prevention Bureau is investigating the cause of the fire.
E-Z Quick Food Market Owner Harry Patel stood outside his store with neighbors as he watched the fire department and emergency responders enter the store equipped with facial masks, flashlights and tools.
Patel renovated the store about seven months ago and was disappointed to see his efforts overcome by the fire.
The door frames are burnt, windows were left with soot inside and debris covered everything inside.
“Everything inside is no good,” Patel said but he hopes to rebuild and reopen.
Patch is following this story and will update it as more information becomes available.
