Cause of Fire at Hill City Cleaners Unknown

Hill City Cleaners has reopened after a small fire broke out in the back of the store Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Fire Chief Richard DeGroot said while the cause is still under investigation, firefighters from Summit, Millburn and Union County Hazmat did remove exhaust pipes from the commercial dryers through the roof which were ablaze when the first units arrived on scene. A full load of clothes was also ignited in one of the commercial dryers.

Battalion Chief Joe Wurtzbacher called for a signal 11, which recalled all career and volunteer Summit firefighters, upon his arrival. This signal 11 also triggered a call to surrounding towns for assistance.

No one was injured in the fire which firefighters had under control in about five minutes. DeGroot, who served as Safety Officer, said fire fighters did need to cut a hole in the roof of the store to check for fire extension into the attic, however they did not find any.

The number of employees inside the store at the time of the fire is not known at this time. The only other damage sustained during the fire was smoke damage, DeGroot said.

Fire Chief Joseph Houck was on scene briefly but had to leave however to respond to another call.

"We've had to respond to three other calls since we've been here," DeGroot said.

Broad Street was closed between Denman Place and Ashwood Avenue as first responders worked at the scene.