By: Richard L. Smith
Fire officials in Kenilworth are investigating the cause of a raging multi-alarm fire that destroyed a business in the township this evening.
According to Detective Sergeant Michael Scanielo, at 8:22 pm Kenilworth Police and Fire dispatch received an activated smoke alarm coming from Perfection Plus which is an auto body repair shop located at 740 Federal Ave.
Sergeant Scanielo said during that same timeframe, dispatch also received 9-1-1 calls reporting what sounded like explosions coming from the business.
Kenilworth Police units were the first to arrive on scene along with Kenilworth Fire Department personnel.
Sergeant Scanielo said those first arriving units reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the business which also experienced a partial roof collapse.
Emergency personnel was able to confirm that the business was vacant and closed for the day at 6:00 pm.
According to Sergeant Scanielo, there were no reported injuries at the time of this release.
Fire units remained on scene operating where it is considered under control. Additional fire personnel from surrounding towns including Roselle Park, Cranford, and Garwood also responded to the scene to assist Kenilworth FD.
“Members from the Union County Arson Squad are also on the fire scene to investigate as per protocol”, Sergeant Scanielo concluded.