Large fire at Clinton mall destroys 2 businesses, including Walgreens; 1 firefighter injured

A large fire erupted Sunday night at a strip mall in Clinton on Route 22, leaving a Walgreens and a community food pantry destroyed.

Jeff Hedden, of the Clinton Fire Department, said crews arrived at a two-alarm fire from the roof of Walgreens pharmacy. He says one firefighter suffered a minor injury during the rescue and was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center as a precaution.

“We believe they did a good job keeping it contained to Walgreens and the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, where the fire originally started. We saved those two businesses,” Hedden says.

For customers who were counting on their medication and filling prescriptions, Clinton Township Mayor Janie Kovach says there is a pharmacy on Main Street.

Walgreens said in a statement to News 12 New Jersey, “We are thankful our customers and team members were evacuated safely. We are cooperating with authorities on the investigation.”

News 12 learned there was supposed to be a line of people coming to Open Cupboard Food Pantry who were depending on it for a meal.

Volunteer Jane Stein says, “We provide food for hundreds of families and now all the food is gone.”

"They provide services to the underprivileged and underserved community. The thrift shop was their bread and butter,” Kovach said. “Everyone in the community is asking how they can help.”

There is no word yet on the cause of the fire. The Clinton Fire Department is working with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office to learn more information.