Crime & Safety

Fire Damages Hopatcong's Ridgewood Restaurant

Fire chief says the restaurant will be closed for some time.

A fire severely damaged the Ridgewood Restaurant and Lounge  on Saturday forcing the eatery to remain closed for some time, according to Hopatcong Fire Chief Wade Crowley.

The fire chief told Patch Saturday evening the fire started in the basement sometime during the night forcing its way up to the first floor which collapsed from the damage.

"The entire first floor and bar area are in the basement," said Crowley about the extensive damage.

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The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is still under investigation, he said.

Firefighters arrived to "heavy smoke pushing from the building" at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday. No was in the restaurant at the time as it had closed about 11 p.m. said the chief. The owners of the restaurant who reside in an apartment at the back of the property came home to find the restaurant on fire and reported it.

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Crowley said seven other departments were on the scene providing mutual aid.

"The restaurant will be closed for quite awhile," said Crowley.


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