Fire Department responds to numerous calls for small fires, downed power wires and fallen trees; supermarket evacuated.
By: Jennifer Potash
A severe thunderstorm in Princeton caused damage to residences and businesses early Tuesday evening.
The Princeton Fire Department received more than 15 calls for small fires, downed power wires and fallen trees, said Princeton Fire Chief Henry Tamasi.
Employees and patrons in McCaffrey’s, as well as the adjacent Princeton Ballet School, at the Princeton Shopping Center were evacuated after smoke filled the supermarket at about 5:50 p.m..
Jim Gillen, who works in the meat department, said a strong odor of burning plastic came from the produce department.
Chief Tamasi said he was unsure of the cause.
Members of the Lawrencville Fire Department used a ladder truck to inspect the roof compressors, Chief Tamasi said.
"It could be the motor," he said.
Since a lot of smoke filled the store, health inspectors were called to see about re-opening McCaffrey’s for business, Chief Tamasi said.
A few of the Princeton fire response vehicles were dispatched from McCaffrey’s to a Chestnut Street residence after smoke wafted up from the trees.
There were reports of trees falling on homes, including a residence at the corner of Witherspoon and Quarry streets.
Several area fire companies including Rocky Hill and Kendall Park assisted the Princeton Fire Department.
Large tree branches littered the streets and sidewalks in both Princeton Borough and Princeton Township. There also was a report of an individual trapped in a car.

