A passerby called in a two-alarm fire at Ironstone Village at approximately 2 a.m. on Feb. 17.
According to a report, initial responding units were met with heavy fire at the Kanamizu Restaurant. Firefighters from Union Fire Company, Taunton Fire Company, Medford Lakes, Lumberton, Vincentown, Tabernacle and Evesham responded to the scene. Medford Township Emergency Medical Services, Tabernacle Rescue and Medford Township Fire Police also provided on-scene support.
According to Medford Police Lt. Jeffrey Wagner, the fire is in no way suspicious, with no connections to the string of fires set two weeks ago.
One firefighter sustained chest injuries, and was transported to the hospital. He was later released, according to officials.
Multiple stores within the village sustained damage as a result of the fire, smoke or water damage.
“There was heavy damage in the roof area at the Japanese restaurant and two vacant stores,” Wagner said, noting smoke damage in the other two businesses.
Investigators returned to the scene the afternoon of Feb. 18 to continue to look into the cause of the blaze.
According to Wagner, it’s routine for the fire marshal and Medford Township detectives to work cooperatively in an investigation following a fire.
“There’s nothing at this point leading us to believe it’s suspicious,” he said.
The strip where the fire originated is without power and is expected to be so for at least two weeks, according to David Vaughn, co-president of the Medford Business Association and a Realtor with Realty Real Estate, which manages Ironstone Village.
He contacted the township Feb. 19 to begin the process of repairs.
Heartland Rehabilitation Services and Ironstone Cleaners were restored power within the week.
“There are some issues that are going to take some time,” Vaughn said.
The cigar shop, nail salon and hair salon will be without power for up to two weeks, according to Vaughn.
“The area where the electricity is controlled for those stores was damaged in the fire. PSE&G needs to run new lines to the businesses,” he said.
The hair salon will be moved temporarily to the abandoned “Little Cuts” storefront until the matter is resolved.
The MBA will be assisting the businesses in any way possible, according to Vaughn.
“One of the things we put together quickly was IronstoneVillage.com,” he said. “Merchants will get free ad space and be able to send messages to their customers. They’ll be able to provide feedback on everything that’s going on.”
According to Vaughn, the Chinese restaurant, Panda Garden, has been vacant since New Years Day, and was not purchased.
The owners of Kanamizu have yet to discuss future plans for the location.
“We’re still trying to determine how to move forward with everything,” Vaughn said.
The MBA will continue to work with the township on the repairs in Ironstone Village.
“Thanks for all the kindness. We are OK,” Kanamizu’s Facebook page said.
