By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters in several Union County municipalities assisted Plainfield in battling a multi-alarm fire that ripped through several stores and an apartment building Tuesday evening.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 172 East Front Street to investigate reports of a building fire.
Firefighters arrived at the location and struck a second and third alarm after officials noticed flames extending to several commercial establishments.
More than two dozen firefighters battled heavy fire extending from the roof of the main fire building.
Several residents of a nearby mixed commercial/residential building received temporary housing from the Red Cross after a fire damaged their apartments.
The fire reached about four alarms, but no injuries were reported after a search of all the affected structures.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.