Firefighter taken to hospital, businesses damaged in Hunterdon County strip mall fire

CLINTON, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A firefighter was taken to the hospital and several businesses damaged after a fire broke out at a strip mall in Clinton on Sunday night, according to Clinton Police Chief J. Cory Kubinak.

The fire was reported at around 8:39 p.m. at 37 Old Hwy 22 in Clinton, Kubinak said.

The stores in the strip mall, located at 37 Old Highway 22, include a Walgreens, The Open Cupboard (Thrift Shop and Food Pantry), Just Subs, JD’s Wine & Spirits, and and Ihling’s Appliance.

Police arrived on scene and observed fire on the roof of the Open Cupboard Food Pantry and the fire rapidly spread to the Walgreens, Kubinak said.

“Devastated by the news that the shopping center that houses our Open Cupboard Food Pantry has been wiped out by a fire. Total loss. Praying for the work of rebuilding and for the many families who rely on this place for their daily bread,” High Bridge Reformed Church posted on their Facebook page.

Walgreens was occupied at the time of the fire but was evacuated without incident, Kubinak said.

“We are glad everyone was able to evacuate the store and that no customers or team members were injured. We are cooperating with local authorities on the investigation,” a Walgreens spokesperson told RNJ.

“Unfortunately last night our store was involved in a multi-business fire that ravaged our neighboring stores, Thankfully fire fighters were able to save most of Just subs. For the time being we will be closed but look forward to opening and serving the community of Clinton. Thank you to the Police and first responders who worked tirelessly over night. Look for upcoming posts about when we will be open,” Just Subs Clinton posted on their Facebook page.

A firefighter had to be taken to Hunterdon Medical Center to be treated and was released, Kubinak said.

The Clinton Water Company was on site working with the Clinton Fire Department to ensure the water pressure was adequate, Kubinak said.

The Walgreens and the Open Cupboard sustained major damage while Just Subs, JD’s Wine and Spirits and Ihling’s sustained lesser damage, Kubinak said.

The cause of the fire remains under inveisgation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office, Town of Clinton Fire Marshal and Clinton Police.

Fire departments from Hunterdon, Warren and Morris Counties responded to the scene.