PHOTOS: Middletown's 'Cigar Lounge' Burns

A fire severely damaged the Cigar Lounge in Middletown on Monday, police said.

At 12:30 a.m., the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Cigar Lounge in Campbell’s Junction that was reported by police officers on patrol in the Belford section of the township, authorities said.

There was smoke and water damage throughout the building. The fire was declared under control by 12:50 a.m.

Approximately 60 firefighters from 4 companies of the Middletown Township Fire Department -Belford Independent, Belford Engine, Port Monmouth and Community Fire Companies -responded to the scene.

Soon after 12:30 a.m., Second Assistant Fire Ryan Clarke confirmed a working structure fire in a single story commercial structure at 900 Main St. The building was unoccupied at the time. The firefighters deployed a 2 ½ inch hose line through the front door and attacked the fire.

Crews cut holes in the roof to vent heat and toxic smoke from the structure. Community Fire Company stood by as a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) ready to provide assistance to firefighters that may become trapped or injured while performing interior firefighting duties, police said.

Assisting on the scene were the Middletown Township Fire Department’s Air Support and Fire Police units. Middletown EMS units stood by during the incident.

The fire is being investigated by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention office.

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