Auto shop fire in New Brunswick destroys building and and spreads to nearby home
Easton Avenue remains closed between Bartlett Street and Ray Street as crews work at the scene.
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A fire tore through an auto service shop in New Brunswick overnight, destroying the building and damaging an adjacent home.
The blaze broke out around 3 a.m. at Prestige Auto Service on Easton Avenue. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire and worked from multiple angles, using ladder trucks to pour water onto the building from above.
Firefighters also focused efforts on protecting nearby structures, including a blue multi-family home and a garage located just behind the shop.
Officials say that home suffered significant damage, though the one person living there was able to escape safely.
Authorities say no one was inside the auto shop when the fire began.
The building itself appears to be a total loss, with the roof collapsed and extensive damage throughout. Several vehicles inside the shop were also heavily damaged and are likely a total loss.
Mutual aid crews from surrounding towns assisted in battling the fire and preventing it from spreading further.
Despite the destruction, the business owner says he plans to rebuild. "I have to rebuild it. I have a lot of customers that need my help. Being in the business for nine years, I need to make it happen again," said owner Willie Azcona.
Easton Avenue remains closed between Bartlett Street and Ray Street as crews continue working at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
