​Early Morning Fire Damages Scojo’s Restaurant In Surf City

SURF CITY, NJ — Scojo’s Restaurant in Surf City suffered from a fire that hit its second floor early Thursday morning, authorities said.

Surf City, Ship Bottom and High Point firefighters were called to the fire in Scojo’s Restaurant at 12:53 a.m. Firefighters contained the fire to the second floor and salvaged most of the building, the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company said on Facebook.

Read more: GoFundMe Launched For Staff After Fire Devastates Scojo's Eatery

Rescue Engine 4913 arrived first at the scene and stretched a two-and-a-half-inch line to tame the fire, according to the fire company. Captain Peter Hartney established command and requested a second alarm, bringing in additional mutual aid companies.

The fire company said firefighters had a low water supply at first due to a fire hydrant cap that was jammed too tight. Firefighters removed the cap with a pipe wrench and held the fire on the second floor after "an aggressive fire attack," the fire company said.

Scojo’s Restaurant made an announcement and expressed their grief at 7:30 a.m. on Facebook.

“No one was present at the time of the fire so we are grateful no one was hurt. But this is a heartbreaking blow in an already difficult year,” the restaurant wrote. “As you all know, we were invested in making the restaurant better every day despite COVID 19. We poured blood, sweat and tears into the place. Heartbreaking to see our beloved restaurant as the way she stands today.”

The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office.

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