Authorities have determined that a lightning strike was responsible for a fire that heavily damaged a commercial strip mall in Franklin Township late Sunday night.
Franklin Township police were dispatched to 720 Hamilton Street at approximately 11:49 p.m. on June 14 after a reported commercial fire. Officers arrived to find an ongoing blaze at the business complex and called for additional assistance.
Multiple fire departments and emergency response agencies responded to the scene, including Community Fire Company, East Franklin Fire Department, Somerset Fire and Rescue, New Brunswick Fire Department, North Brunswick Fire Department, and several others, according to TAPinto Franklin. Hazmat personnel, county emergency management officials, public works crews, and PSE&G also responded.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the entire strip mall sustained serious damage. Six businesses, including a laundromat and Super Tropical Foodmarket, were affected. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department determined the fire was caused by a lightning strike during severe thunderstorms that moved through the area on Sunday.
“Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and mutual aid partners, this fire was brought under control without any reported injuries,” said Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks. “This incident highlights the dedication of the men and women who serve our community.”
Hamilton Street was closed between Matilda Avenue and Baier Avenue until approximately 6:40 a.m. Monday while emergency crews worked at the scene.
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