Aldi Closed After Rooftop Fire Causes Minor Damage In Brick

BRICK, NJ — A fire in a rooftop air conditioning unit caused minor damage to the Aldi store in Brick on Wednesday, forcing the temporary closure of the store, Brick fire officials said Thursday.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury fighting the fire, which was reported just before 5 p.m. by the store manager, the Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety said.

The store manager reported smelling smoke at the store at 780 Route 70, and quickly evacuated customers and employees, fire officials said.

Firefighters from Brick's District 1 fire companies — Breton Woods and Pioneer Hose — arrived and found visible flames coming from the roof, and Chief Tom Thieme Jr. sounded a second alarm for assistance from Laurelton and Herbertsville fire companies.

The fire was quickly contained and damage was limited to the rooftop, fire officials said. Video shared by Jersey Shore Fire Response shows the firefighters at work.

The Ocean County Health Department responded and the store remained closed for the rest of the day Wednesday for cleanup, fire officials said.

Aldi corporate officials told the fire safety bureau the company also has protocols that must be met before the store is permitted by corporate management to reopen. A message to Aldi's corporate offices seeking additional details on when the store might reopen was not immediately answered Thursday.

The firefighter was treated at Ocean University Medical Center and released, officials said.

The statement from Fire Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel and Assistant Bureau Chief Richard Orlando praised the store manager for the quick actions in evacuating the store, which went without incident or injuries to customers or employees.

"The Bureau of Fire Safety would like to remind you that it is important for the public to follow instruction of store management, as well as emergency personnel, in the event of an emergency," the statement said.

The statement also thanked mutual aid partners.

The fire was under investigation by Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Matula.