A fire that started in the kitchen of The Shrimp Box restaurant in Point Beach caused some damage to the kitchen and roof, but was contained to a small area to prevent widespread damage, said Police Lt. Joseph Michigan.

There were no injuries in the fire at the restaurant on Inlet Drive, said Michigan. He added that he is not sure when the restaurant can re-open.

The fire, which was reported to the police department at 11:21 a.m. Wednesday was extinguished quickly, he said.

The Point Beach Fire Department, the Point Borough Fire Department, the South Wall Fire Department, the Ocean County Fire Marshal's office, and the Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad, serving Point Beach, Bay Head and Mantoloking, responded to the scene.

"Arriving officers discovered thick black smoke coming from the roof of the structure," Michigan said.

The restaurant was not open at the time. However, several employees were there setting up for the day and were safely evacuated, Michigan said.

"The fire started in the kitchen of the restaurant, then traveled up a vent, igniting a portion of the roof," Michigan said. "The fire was quickly extinguished by Ocean Fire Company and Point Pleasant Beach Fire Department #2 members."

The specific cause of the kitchen fire is still under investigation.

Michigan, who is also Point Beach Fire Department chief, stated, "Due to the efforts of my dedicated staff of volunteer firefighters, the fire was contained to a small portion of the building. They did an outstanding job with the usual low number of firefighters around during the day."  

"During the daytime, most members are out of town at work so the need for mutual aid response from neighboring towns is critical in the event of large fires," Michigan noted.

New Jersey Natural Gas, JCP&L, and the Ocean County Health Department were contacted and responded to the scene.

The fire is being investigated by Private First Class Kyle Grace of the Point Beach Police Department and the Ocean county Fire Marshal's Office.

Michigan is urging residents to consider joining the fire department, which needs new members. Anyone interested can contact Michigan at the police department at (732) 892-0500, ext. 158.