Fire destroys business near Flemington Circle

FLEMINGTON - A three-alarm fire engulfed a liquor store near the Flemington Circle on Thursday night.

Fire companies from as far as Bucks County responded to the blaze at Tirpok Cleaners on Realville Avenue, which broke out just before 7 p.m., according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns.

The busy retail area that includes a number of stores and restaurants including an Advance Auto Parts, Boston Market, Staples, Lowes and Shop Rite.

Kearns said Tirpok sustained severe damaged but there were no injuries.

"The fire does not appear to be suspicious and the cause remains officially undetermined at this time. The investigation is ongoing," Kearns said in a statement.

Central Wine Merchants next door was not severely damaged and opened for business Friday morning.

Thick, black smoke from the fire was visible for miles around, according to TAP in Flemington/Raritan, which reported some of the nearby shopping centers were being evacuated.

Flemington Police wrote on their Facebook page water pressure was low in the area as fire fighters doused the fire. They were also monitoring the air and water for possible health risks.

Routes 202/31 were closed until late Thursday night for cleanup and investigation of the fire.

Kearns commended the volunteer squads that quickly responded for preventing the fire from damaging any other structures or businesses.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that Central Wine Merchants was not destroyed by the fire. 

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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