Historic N.J. tavern reduced to rubble, but cause of fire still unknown

A fire alarm on the second floor of the Hillcrest Tavern and Coach Room went off Monday at 4:47 a.m. Watch video

BRIDGETON -- The fire that led to the demolition of a tavern that stood in the city since 1782 is still under investigation, according to the Bridgeton Fire Department.

The Hillcrest Tavern and Coach Room was declared a total loss and torn down Monday due to concerns of structural instability and the possibility of the structure collapsing further and injuring someone, according to Battalion Chief Kevin Scarlato of the Bridgeton Fire Department.

The fire broke out in the pre-dawn hours Monday. When firefighters arrived on Broad Street just before 5 a.m., they saw heavy smoke conditions and heavy flames coming out of the second floor window in the back of the property.  It was declared a three-alarm fire by 6:42 a.m and brought under control 4.5 hours later.

The Bridgeton Fire Department and Bridgeton Police Department are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Special care was given to neighboring Potter's Tavern when firefighters responded. Pottern's Tavern is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The tavern has some water and smoke damage, Scarlato said. There was some concern when some embers landed on the tavern's roof but, according to the battalion chief, a considerable effort was made to protect the landmark.