Nicky's Firehouse Restaurant Reopens after Small Fire

A small fire in the wall of Nicky's Firehouse Restaurant & Pizza on Central Avenue shut down the Madison staple for a few ours early this afternoon. The restaurant reopened shortly after 3 p.m. today.

Madison Fire Chief Lou DeRosa said it appeared that a compromised flue pipe stemming from one of the wood ovens started the small fire in the wall. 

"It was smoldering when we got here," DeRosa said.

Also on scene with the Madison Fire Department were the police department and volunteer ambulance squad. Fire departments from Cedar Knolls and Florham Park were also called in for mutual aid and helped on scene.

DeRosa said he had called the Board of Health and they would make the call as to when the restaurant could reopen. Restaurant employees and apartment residents on the top floor were cleared to go back inside the structure immediately. An employee said the restaurant reopened a little after 3 p.m.

Police blocked off several roads, including Elmer Street and Central Avenue, as firefighters investigated the scene.