About 65 firefighters responded to the call Friday
MIDDLETOWN -- Firefighters contained a blaze at a popular shore seafood shop before flames could spread to other nearby structures in the township's Belford section, a fire official said Saturday.
About 65 firefighters from Middletown's six companies responded around 6 p.m. Friday to a fire at the Belford Seafood Co-Op's ice house on Port Monmouth, according to fire department spokesman Dennis Fowler.
The Belford Seafood Co-Op ice house was damaged in a fire May 27, 2016 (Photo: Middletown Fire Department) Crews found thick smoke and fire coming from the unoccupied building's second floor, Fowler said in a statement. Responders quickly set to work dousing the blaze.
"The aggressive attack prevented the fire from spreading to the other adjoining structures," Fowler added.
The second floor was heavily damaged in the blaze and the first floor also had significant water damage, officials said. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to make sure the flames didn't spread to other structures.
The fire was declared under control around 6:40 p.m. and the cause remained under investigation, according to the department spokesman. There were no injuries.
"We had a fire in our Ice House this evening," a message from the Belford Seafood Co-Op said. "For the time being, others are coming to our rescue with ice deliveries. We thank everyone for your concerns and support."
In a Facebook post, the shop said it was open Saturday and advertised smoked fish as its special.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.