HIGH BRIDGE, NJ FIRE DISPLACES SEVEN, DESTROYS RESTAURANT AND SIX APARTMENTS WEDNESDAY MORNING

HIGH BRIDGE, NJ FIRE DISPLACES SEVEN, DESTROYS RESTAURANT AND SIX APARTMENTS WEDNESDAY MORNING

HIGH BRIDGE – The cause of a fire that destroyed two storefronts and six apartments early Wednesday morning is under investigation, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III.

The seven residents of the apartments and their three pets were able to escape the fire without injury before first-responders arrived at about 1:23 a.m. Kearns said.

The residents and their pets are being housed in the Hampton Inn in Clinton.

The fire also destroyed the Peking Wok Chinese restaurant.

One firefighter from the High Bridge Fire Department suffered an ankle injury during the fire and was transported to the Hunterdon Medical Center for treatment, Kearns said.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire from spreading to a neighboring property.

Cause of the fire is being investigated by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Arson Investigation Unit, the Hunterdon County Arson Task Force and the High Bridge Police Department, the prosecutor said.

Responding to the fire were the High Bridge Fire Department, Lebanon Township Fire Department, Lebanon Borough Fire Department, Clinton Township Fire Department, Quakertown Fire Department, Califon Fire Department, Whitehouse Fire Department, Washington Township Fire Department, High Bridge Rescue Squad, Hampton Rescue Squad, Lebanon Township Rescue Squad, Hunterdon County CART Team and the American Red Cross.

"I would like to commend all our volunteers that responded to last night's fire," Kearns said. "These dedicated men and women left the security of their homes and braved the harsh elements to save lives and protect property. Due to their quick actions and expertise, a home adjacent to the building fire was saved from almost certain destruction."