Fire Damage Closes Morris County Restaurant 'Until Further Notice'

DOVER, NJ — The popular Spanish restaurant Jai-Alai has been forced to close after a fire broke out above the establishment this past weekend.

The five-alarm fire at 73 West Blackwell Street was reported at about 3:19 p.m. Saturday, the Town of Dover Police Department said.

Firefighters initially entered the three-story structure near the intersection of Dewey and Whitewell Streets to put out the fire but were forced to evacuate around 4:10 p.m. after a partial roof collapse.

The fire burned for around two hours until it was put out at about 5:30 p.m. after crews reentered the structure.

Fire officials said there were no serious injuries; however, a Dover police officer and a couple of other first responders were injured but are now recovering well.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, police said.

"Most of you might already heard that there was a fire above our restaurant. The restaurant will remain closed until further notice," Jai-Alai stated on social media.

The owners of Jai-Alai did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment on the fire damage or potential reopening timeline.

On social media, the restaurant thanked their customers and stated that they hoped to return soon.

Residents have taken to social media to express their disappointment and concern for the beloved restaurant since the announcement. "Please let us know how we can help! We will be so sad until you are back," one resident wrote on Facebook. "I hope all are OK and that you recover from this setback quickly," another one wrote.

The weekend fire, which had multiple nearby fire departments, police departments, utility companies such as JCP&L, and town officials responding to assist, caused extensive damage to the back of the building.

Firefighters from Engine Company 5 were the first to arrive on the scene. According to a Facebook post by Dover FMBA Local 60, the incident was elevated to a second alarm and then a third, due to the magnitude of the fire and the number of likely residents in the three attached structures.

The New Jersey Red Cross said they were initially aiding six families and 29 people who had been displaced by the fire at a temporary shelter at St. Mary School in Wharton. The shelter was closed one day later, officials said.

"Our volunteers provided Red Cross emergency assistance for things like temporary lodging, food and clothing to 29 people from six families that were displaced from their Dewey St. home, the New Jersey Red Cross said on Facebook.