(01/01/08) PERTH AMBOY - A four-alarm fire destroyed a pizzeria and two adjacent buildings in Perth Amboy this afternoon, forcing the evacuation of several nearby residents. No civilians were injured in the blaze, which broke out just before 2 p.m. at Stella Pizza and Restaurant, and quickly spread to the adjoining business. Mayor Joe Vas says all three buildings were a total loss. One firefighter sustained minor heat-related injuries. Vas says a faulty furnace might have touched off the blaze inside the pizzeria. Neighbors living near the fire were temporarily evacuated due to heavy smoke in the area, and were put up at a senior citizens center. They were expected to be allowed to return to their homes Tuesday night.

This story was written using Associated Press wire reports.