New Details Emerge On Fire That Destroyed Chatham Sandwich Shop

CHATHAM, NJ — New details emerged about a Wednesday fire that gutted the Chatham Sandwich Shop.

An employee came into the facility that morning and turned on the deep fryer, he told Chatham Borough police. He went into the backroom to prep for the day when he noticed smoke from the cooking area, according to authorities.

The worker saw that the fryer caught fire and called 911 just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

Officials extinguished the fire, and both adjacent buildings sustained some smoke and water damage. Chatham Borough and Madison authorities investigated the fire.

A woman was taken to a local hospital to get evaluated for a breathing issue.

The fire destroyed the interior and exterior of the 253 Main St. shop. The business said they will work to rebuild. Read more: Fire Destroys Chatham Sandwich Shop, Business Plans To Rebuild

"We sincerely appreciate from the bottom of our hearts the outpouring of love and support we have received from the Chatham community," the Chatham Sandwich Shop's Facebook page says. "As we work to rebuild, we will keep you updated and we truly hope to be back as soon as possible doing what we love."

A former employee started a GoFundMe page to help the Chatham Sandwich Shop with its rebuild and support employees. The page has raised more than $14,000 as 10 a.m. Thursday, but they noted it's unknown how much repairs will cost. See the GoFundMe here.

"The community of Chatham will be there for the Chatham Sandwich Shop as they rebuild," the page says.