New Rochelle Fire Fighters Handle 2 Fire Calls Monday Morning

New Rochelle firefighters were busy early Monday after they handled calls for a basement fire and a lightning strike on a home.

Shortly after 4 a.m., firefighters received a call for a fire at the , located at 601 North Ave. When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from the restaurant, according to Chief Lou DiMeglio.

The stores were empty when firefighters arrived.

DiMeglio said firefighters then noticed smoke shooting from the deli next door and realized that the fire was coming from the deli’s basement.

The fire started in a section of the basement where cardboard boxes were stored. It took firefighters less than a hour to get the fire under control. The bulk of the fire damage was contained to the basement. The deli and restaurant sustained heat and smoke damage.

DiMeglio said he heard the restaurant will try to re-open by the end of the week. He has yet to make contact with the deli owners.

The fire’s cause is still under investigation, but DiMeglio said firefighters believed it is accidental.

About two hours later, as a severe thunderstorm traveled through the area, firefighters responded to a call for a fire alarm at a home located inside The Greens of Cherry Lawn, a community located off Weaver Street. When firefighters arrived, they witnessed lightning striking the roof a two-story home located inside the community.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to an attic located above the garage. They were also able to prevent a BMW SUV and a Corvette that were parked inside the garage from being damaged.

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