BUTLER, New Jersey (WABC) — Families and businesses are picking up the pieces in Butler on Thursday after flames ripped through the business district along Main Street.
The fire started just after midnight and crews were on the scene until 5:30 a.m.
On Thursday, crews used a bulldozer to take down what was left of damaged structures. Several of the businesses had upstairs apartment units.
It appears at least four buildings were impacted by the fire and others nearby were damaged by water used to put out the flames.
A neighbor spoke out about the people and businesses that are now scrambling to rebuild.
“I think they are apartments, I’m not 100% sure, but as far as I know I think people lived in there and the sad thing is the candy shop, the people there are very nice, and it’s sad their building was involved in the fire,” said Butler resident Paul Brushaber.
Residents said they are grateful because no one was hurt.
The Red Cross is helping those families who lost their homes and all of their belongings.
Butler United Methodist Church has also taken on coordinating help for the roughly 19 people who are impacted.
The community has already started filling pantry bins in the church’s lot with food and clothing. They are asking for more of both.
And volunteers are joining together at the church to prepare dinner for the families so they can enjoy a hot meal together and assess their needs.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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