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Pocono News Section
Businesses Damaged in Strip Mall Fire
Businesses Damaged in Strip Mall Fire - Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 7:37PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Sunday, May 4, 2008 @ 07:37pm EST
MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - A pizza shop and daycare center will be closed Monday after a strip mall fire early Sunday morning in Monroe County.
Yellow caution tape now surrounds Miggy's Plaza, a popular strip mall, in Middle Smithfield Township, near Marshalls Creek. Smoke and flames raced through Guiseppe's Pizzeria, closing the well-know business.
"We're going to try to open up as quickly as possible. We're assessing the situation," owner James Burke said. Burke says the fire started in the restaurant's dining room just after 3:30 AM.
"Everything can be replaced. Nobody got injured, so that's a godsend," Burke added.
With repair work already underway to secure the fire scene, investigators say the blaze appears to be accidental.
"A state police fire marshall was in and investigated and is leaning towards accidental. Its electrical," Bushkill fire chief Leon Prince, Junior said.
A protective fire wall helped save a neighboring deli and the Peace of Mind daycare from major damage. Because of smoke concerns, the daycare center will remain closed until Tuesday morning.
"At this point, we're working with DPW to come out and inspect us and make sure the environment is safe for the children," daycare owner Bridget Mousouris said.
Investigators say a driver who was passing by the scene called in the fire. All of the businesses have insurance to cover their losses. | | |
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