Fire at Newark Wegmans

It was about 6:30 Friday evening when Wayne County 911 received a report of a fire at Wegmans grocery in the Newark Plaza.

Responding Newark firemen extinguished a paper fire in the men's bathroom. Plastic involved in the fire produced a large quantity of sooty smoke, which came out of the bathroom and into the store.

Interviews with the fire chiefs present revealed that responding firemen had placed a quantity of the burning paper in the sink. It appears that the fire was set by igniting toilet paper in the holder. Firemen believe scorching to the ceramic tile below the holder was caused by the burning plastic. Smoke into the produce area and restaurant area resulted in the loss of approximately $1000 in inventory.

Fire Investigator Richard Bogan stated, "In my opinion this was an intentionally set incendiary fire. Witness statements were taken from store employees by (Newark Police Officers). The scene was photographed and processed by Sergeant Ricky Ippolito. Suspects have been identified and interviewed with the investigation continuing at this time."

Mr. Donald Eisman of New York State Agriculture and Markets responded to the scene and instructed Wegmans personnel in clean up procedures. The store re-opened at approximately 10 p.m., in compliance with Mr. Eisman's directives.

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