A three-alarm fire tore through JD Automotive and Truck on Richards Avenue in Dover Sunday night, destroying the business and shutting down a busy stretch of Route 46 for several hours.
The blaze began around 7:45 p.m., quickly engulfing the two-story auto body shop. Video from the scene showed flames shooting through the roof as thick smoke filled the surrounding neighborhood. Firefighters from multiple departments responded, working for hours to bring the intense fire under control.
Several nearby streets were closed as first responders battled the blaze and worked to protect nearby homes from catching fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
JD Automotive and Truck was closed at the time of the incident, according to posted business hours. Crews from New Jersey Natural Gas were on scene early Monday morning, excavating part of the roadway in front of the building as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
By early Monday, Route 46 had reopened in both directions, allowing commuters to travel through the area as usual.
Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fire.
